'But I find myselftaken quite aback by the grief I am feeling.'

I know exactly what you mean Mike. I'm around the same age as you, and therefore saw her pictures at about the same time you did. I liked the good cheer that they gave to the audience. They were slight of plot but heavy on music and humour, much like the the Astaire-Rogers or Rooney-Garland things of the same era. You came away from their films with a smile on your face. As an adult I recognised her singing and dancing talent, which for her age was enormous. Who else aged 6 could match steps with the famous Bill (Bojangles) Robinson? Nor was she mawkishly 'cute' in the dreadaful way some child actors are, or are directed to be. She was just naturally attractive, and remained so. Her audiences fell away however when she reached teenage. They did not want to see her in love scenes. This may have been behind her voluntary retirement from the movies. She certainly led a life of achievement thereafter. I think hers is a fine example of a life well lived, loved as a child, and admired as she grew into adulthood and a dignified, active old age.
When my wife and I were watching the news item on TV I said to her 'You know, that makes me feel really sad.' I too was quite taken aback.   Rest in Peace Shirley, and Thank You for the memories.