Shirley Ada Hornbeck Terwilliger

Shirley was born on December 2, 1927 to Marvin and Ada Hornbeck in Kingston, NY and was

the youngest of four children.

She met her future husband, Vincent Terwilliger, also from Kingston, while walking home from a

local movie house. They were married after he returned from Naval Service during WWII.

She and Vince later traveled to England, living there for six months while Vince completed

studies related to his Master’s Thesis studies at Syracuse University.

Married to a career “IBM-er”, Shirley enjoyed raising her children, playing bridge, knitting and

painting. She also loved spending time with family at Williams Lake Resort in nearby

Rosendale, NY, swimming, playing tennis and cross-country skiing.

When the family relocated to Charlotte in 1980, Shirley became a career woman herself,

building a successful career in real estate and serving the Charlotte community until her

retirement in the early 1990’s.

In retirement, Shirley, an avid art lover, resumed painting and created many beautiful still life and

landscape paintings she proudly displayed in her home for many years.

Shirley and Vince later settled in Sun City West, Arizona. There, she took advantage of more

travel opportunities whether with Vince or with friends. A short time after Vince’s death, in April

2010, Shirley returned to Charlotte to be close to her family.

Her great passions included traveling with friends and family, her painting and Tony Bennett.

Shirley even enjoyed Mr. Bennett in concert during his tour to Charlotte in 2018.

Shirley is survived by her adult children Pamela (John) and Keith (Flocerfida “Flor”); four

grandchildren Kristine, Kimberly, Kaylyn and Aerial; many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents and siblings Winnie, Vivian and Richard.

The family would like to thank The Charlotte Assisted Living and Memory Care and VIA Health

Partners for their care and compassion for her and her family during Shirley’s final days. In

addition, the family appreciates the special care, compassion and love shown to Shirley by her

“personal” staff from Caregiving Corner. Each member of the team loved her in their own way

and she readily returned that love. Shirley’s son said it best: “I will miss my best friend.”

Interment will take place in Kingston, NY at a later date.