Shella Surowski

Shella Sue (Cooper) Surowski, 63, of Manhattan, died Sunday, April 28, 2013, at her family's home. Shella was born June 23, 1949 in Kingsley, Iowa, the daughter of the late Marvin Cooper and the late Wynola (Hansen) Cooper. She graduated from LaMirada High School in 1967 as valedictorian. She attended college at California State University, Fullerton, and graduated in 1971 with a teaching degree in Spanish and Political Science. She married David Surowski in 1972. They later divorced. She moved to Manhattan in 1977, where she enjoyed raising her family.She was active in the League of Women Voters and serving as a volunteer at her children's school. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, crossword puzzles and spending time with her family. From 1997-present, she taught Spanish and was the school counselor at Flint Hills Christian School. She had a passion for teaching and was a well-liked teacher, whom the students affectionately called'Senora'. She was dearly loved by her family, friends and students and will be dearly missed. Shella is survived by her brother, David Cooper and his wife Toni, of Moville Iowa; her three daughters, Katie Surowski, Laura Sapp and her husband Aric, and Chrissy Swanson, all of Manhattan. She also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren, Micah, Noah and Leah Sapp, Tristan and Caitlin Swanson, Aiden Launchbaugh, and Trevor Carpenter. A memorial service will be held 7:00pm on Friday, May 10, at Flint Hills Christian School with the direction of Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Senora Surowski Memorial Scholarship Fund, please make checks payable to The Flint Hills Christian School. Contributions can be sent to Flint Hills Christian School, 3905 Green Valley Rd, Manhattan, KS 66502.