MARYLAND – Shirley June Birdsall, 82, of Morris and Gilbertsville, died Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at her home in Maryland, NY.
Born Aug. 31, 1930, in Morris, she was the daughter of Perry L Hoag and Madge P. Hoag. She married Robert Charles Birdsall on Jan. 29, 1949 and was predeceased by him on Jan. 14, 2010.
She spent her childhood living on the Morris Manor Farms Estate on the Dimock Hollow Road and in the beautiful Butternut valley. She attended Morris Central School grades 1-4 then graduated from Gilbertsville Central School. She later earned certification as a public health nurse from The State University College at Oneonta. In this capacity, she brought medicine and compassion as a traveling clinic to many rural residents.
Shirley loved being a homemaker and caring mom, but also worked outside the home: as a secretary at Gilbertsville Central, as an Executive Secretary for Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals, taught handicapped students at Morris Central, and supervised the Data Processing Center at Hartwick College in Oneonta. For several years she enjoyed conducting the Federal Census.
Shirley shared a passion for reading with her husband, Robert, and participated in Bible Study Circles, later discussing various interpretations. She was an intelligent woman of many talents,with strength,courage and conviction. Some of her passions were: nature hikes with the family, flowers, cooking on her woodstove, and most of all, showing compassion for those in need. She will be fondly remembered by all those whose lives she has improved.
She is survived by her three sons and daughter: Robert P. and Susan Birdsall of Oxford; Arthur D. and Brenda Birdsall of Dallas, PA; and Guy S. and Pamela Birdsall of West Edmeston; and Patricia A.(Birdsall) and David Smith of Lithia, FL. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by grandson Jacob Birdsall.
She is survived by her brother Richard (Duke) L. Hoag of New Berlin, and predeceased by her brothers: William Hoag of Lowville, and Lyle Hoag of Morris.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to a lifelong friend, Norman Saunders for his care and sharing his home, allowing her to be comfortable and at peace in her final days.
As Christmas 2012 approaches, there is now yet another angel looking down on us all!
Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Brookside Cemetery, Gilbertsville with Presbyterian minister, Mark Piedmont, performing the service.
Contributions in memoriam may be made to your local Hospice.
Arrangements by Dakin Funeral Home LP, New Berlin.