Shirley was born in Amber, NY to George and Lena (Heath) Bobbett on November 15, 1923 and grew up in nearby Skaneateles, NY. She trained with the US Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII and earned her nursing degree from Syracuse University working in some capacity to age 90. Shirley was a devout Christian known for her kindness and hospitality to any who entered her home; she embodied grace. Her humor and ability to laugh at herself has been as much a gift as her strength, faith, and love.
Shirley was a longtime resident of Sparta, NJ, a faithful member of Lafayette Federated Church, and was involved in many of its ministries for the last 50 years, including its prison ministry. She was a member of Sparta Woman’s Club. In November of 2023, the mayor of Sparta honored Shirley with a 100th Birthday Proclamation.
In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Sidney; and her sister, Jane Ludington. She is survived by her brother, Heath Bobbett (Norma); her sons, Jeffrey (Sharon) and Craig (Joette); her daughters, Sherry and Sandy (Rich); nine grandchildren: Jason Blackman (Jamie), Scott Blackman, Jessie Lenzen (Stephen), Nelly Stringer (Mac), Erin Von Ohlsen, Lindsay Von Ohlsen, Alexander Karasik, Brooke Blackman and Sydney Clark (Brice); and five great-grandchildren: Dakotah and Harley Durant, Brianna and Brynn Blackman, and Kingsley Lenzen. She is also survived by many devoted nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to thank Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice and Lafayette Federated Church for their love, care and compassion.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Lafayette Federated Church, 180 Route 15, Lafayette.
Memorial donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to Lafayette Federated Church, 180 State Route 15, Lafayette, NJ 07848. Arrangements are under the direction of Smith-McCracken Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered below.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5