Obituary of Shirley A. Swartz

Shirley Ann Swartz, age 88, received her angel wings on February 15, 2023. She passed away peacefully in the presence of her family. She is predeceased by her parents, Joseph "Jay" and Caroline Thompson; brothers, Raymond and Joseph; sisters, Carol and Thelma; and grandson Ricky Swartz. She is survived by her husband of more than sixty-nine years (Richard W. Swartz); brother, Arthur Thompson, (New Orleans, LA); four children, Lucinda "Cindy" (Randy) Holder (Vestal, NY), Jill (Tim) Fazio (Newark Valley, NY), Richard Swartz Jr. (Binghamton, NY), Wendy (Dennis) Drogo (Ruther Glen, VA); 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Shirley was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was the one who held everyone together and took great pride in her family. She will be remembered in all things - the whistling song of the birds she spent countless hours admiring, the subtle sound of water that brings you back to summers at the lake, even a friendly card game where you find yourself being reminded that there's "no table talk." She was a strong, genuine, tenacious woman with an amazing sense of caring who easily found the beauty in the people and places that surrounded her. Most of all she had a fierce and unconditional love for her family, especially her husband. This love was inspiring and an example for all of us. Without a doubt she will be missed, but her warm hugs, joyful laugh, and genuine smile will never be forgotten. The family would like to thank those that cared for her, especially her neighbors who always kept a close eye on her and the staff at Ideal Nursing Home for making their stay there a home away from home. Visitation will be at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, Main Street, Endicott, NY on Saturday, February 25th, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with a memorial service at 11:00 (also at Coleman & Daniels). A brief committal service will be at Riverhurst Cemetery, Main Street, Endwell, NY. A reception to honor and celebrate Shirley's life will be held at Atrio, 409 Hooper Road, Endwell, NY 13760 starting at 11:30, all guests are welcome.