HORNELL, NY
Shirley M. Spillane, 91, of North Hornell, died peacefully in her sleep at home on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, Shirley was the daughter of Eugene and Laurel Liston.
Shirley married Robert M. Spillane at St. Patrick’s Church in Dunedin, NZ in 1955, and together, they enjoyed extensive travel and raising their 4 children all over the world. Shirley chose to be a dedicated homemaker providing a loving home to her family while living in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indiana, Mexico, New York, New Jersey, and (for the last 28 years in) Hornell, NY.
Family was Shirley’s purpose and interest, enjoying nothing more than spending time with her family whom she treasured – especially her grandchildren who brought her so much joy – as well as her many friends from all over the world. Her warm smile and unlimited generosity for helping others were known everywhere she went, leaving a lasting impression with all those she met. She will be missed tremendously.
She is a parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.
Shirley is survived by her three daughters, Suzanne (Hector) Hoyos, Robyn Spillane and Michele Spillane of Hornell; grandson, Gregory (Dajaneé) Hoyos of Rochester; granddaughter, Dr. Elisa Hoyos (Aaron Marshall) of Voorhees, NJ; great-grandson, Reuel Gregory Hoyos and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nephews & friends in New Zealand, Mexico & the U.S.
To honor Shirley’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Friends are invited to a Memorial Mass to be held at 10am on Friday, May 19th, 2023, at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell, NY. Final interment will be next to her loving husband, Bob and beloved son, Brent in Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley’s name may be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843.
Hornell, NY Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Columbus, IN Funeral arrangements are in care of Myers-Reed Chapel, 3729 25th St., Columbus, IN.
To share a memory or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of aunty shirley I will miss her, i wish my family much love and sympathy. i will forever remember sitting on aunty shirleys knee as a child feeling the love and warmth she had for me and playing with her ring while she chatted to grandma and occassionally telling me stories.
i already miss you aunty shirley.
i love you so much.
I hold very special memories of the trips you made to NZ. Especially spending time with you and the girls in Palmerston. A deeply loved aunty who will be greatly missed.
A fine, gentle lady, whose many kindnesses, warmth and good humor, I will never forget. She made me feel like her honorary daughter. Love to her and the whole family especially my adopted sisters Suzanne, Robyn and Michele. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time.