Shirley Vana Hollister, 83, died on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at Duke University Medical Center in Durham NC. Shirley was born in Lewiston, NY to the late Joseph and Bessie Mae Vana on April 9, 1926.
Shirley was a graduate of the Red Brick School in Lewiston, NY and the DeVry Institute of Buffalo NY. As a young woman she was an operator for the phone company on the switch board in her family home on Center Street. She later worked for and retired from the Town of Lewiston.
Shirley loved family, friends and life. She loved to be with her son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their families. In recent years Shirley moved to NC to be near her son and family. She quickly made many new friends with neighbors and caregivers whom she loved dearly. Shirley loved the company of others and life’s new experiences. The outdoors, her village and helping others were always in the forefront. She was a member of Service Guild, Order of the Eastern Star, Women’s Assoc. of the Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, Lewiston Historical Society, Lewiston Garden Club, Telephone Pioneers, Old Fort Niagara Society, and was an active volunteer at Artpark & Red Cross.
Shirley’s zest for life exuded in every way. Always wanting to show you something new or unusual, she said “never take the same way twice, that way you may see or experience something new and different”. She loved a good laugh, an unusual recipe, a good fish fry, travel, the change of season, playing cards on the porch of her sister’s home and the Easter sunrise service at the Old Fort.
Shirley is survived by her son David Hollister and his wife Beth of Hillsborough, NC; grandson Matthew Hollister; and granddaughter Catherine Hollister; brother-in-law William Westadt; nieces and nephews Susan Morales, Laura Moore & Bill Westadt, Jeffery, Gregory, Bradley, Joann & Chris Rose and their husbands, wives and children. She is predeceased by her sisters Joyce Westadt and Joanne Rose.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley’s name may be made to the American Red Cross, PO Box 52509 Durham NC 27717. Please include “Shirley Hollister” on the memo line of your check.
A memorial service in celebration of life will be held at a date to be announced.
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Shirley Vana Hollister, 83, died on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at Duke University Medical Center in Durham NC. Shirley was born in Lewiston, NY to the late Joseph and Bessie Mae Vana on April 9, 1926.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley’s name may be made to the American Red Cross, PO Box 52509 Durham NC 27717. Please include “Shirley Hollister” on the memo line of your check.
A memorial service in celebration of life will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, Nov. 28th from First Presbyterian Church, 504 Cayuga St. Lewiston, NY. Reverend Bellingham will preside.
On-line memorials: www.hallwynne.com. Select obituaries.
Cindi Rigsbee
November 1, 2009 at 12:00 amI had the honor of visiting with Mrs. Hollister every day while my mother was a patient at Croasdaile Village. My mother Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Hollister, and Mrs. Monroe shared meals together at the same table. They also shared stories and jokes. Mrs. Hollister loved to tell me stories about her grandchildren and friends. Every night when I would leave, she’d call out, “Goodbye, Dear!” She was one-of-a-kind, very sweet and good-natured. She always said hello and goodbye to every patient in the dining hall. She will be missed.
Jamers T. Carr
November 2, 2009 at 12:00 amDavid,
My sincere condolences go out to you and your family at the death of your mother, Shirley. Shirley was a dear friend to me when I lived in Lewiston. She helped me so much. My prayers are offered on behalf of Shirley and you and your entire family.
Greg & Sharon Hale
November 2, 2009 at 12:00 amDave, Beth, Matt and Catherine,
We are so sorry for your loss. The few times we shared with Shirley you could just see her eyes light up when talking about her grandchildren or when she would just tell some stories. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her.
Elizabeth M. Diachun
November 20, 2009 at 12:00 amDear David~
You may remember me from your days at Old Fort Niagara where I was the Assistant Director. The pest who kept “buzzing” the castle to see what was going on.
Your Mom and her family are woven into the history of Lewiston. Even today when I pass your home I still think of her.
Please know that you are in our hearts and minds at this time.
Sincerely,
Betsy Morrow Diachun
Heather Sloma DeCastro
November 24, 2009 at 12:00 amDear David and Family:
Mustard Shirley will be greatly missed. She was one of a kind. Every holiday we would look forward to her smiling face and delivery of her homemade mustard. Truly, it hasn’t been the same since she left Lewiston. She was a local treasure. My family’s prayers are with you.