Shirley Bellinger Chadwick, 82 of Buffalo, died peacefully on Tuesday (July 24, 2012) with her children at her side.
She was born Shirley Jewel Bellinger on June 12, 1930, a daughter of the late John and Elsie (Cook) Bellinger.
Shirley lived her entire life in the Buffalo area. She was top of her class throughout her schooling career. In grades 7 and 8, she recieved the Jessie Ketchum award, being top in her class. She graduated from Layfette High School where she was valedictorian, then went to Buffalo State College and received her Batchelor's Degree where she was top of her class. Then she pursued her Masters Degree in Education. She taught in the LeRoy School District for three years before moving to Williamsville, where she spent the next 25 years raising four children. She was a part-time piano teacher, helping develop the Robert Pace music program. She was very active in the Pendleton Free Methodist Church and the Genesee Conference for over 30 years, being a Free Methodist her entire life.
She was also very active at Lighthouse Christian Camp from childhood, never missing a camp for 71 years. She was a Girl Scout growing up and as an adult, she was active in developing programs in the Williamsville community.
She was married to George F. Chadwick for a happy 54 years until his death in 2006. She was an animal lover, especially her cats. For 44 years she had two Siamese cats living in her home, replacing each as they would pass away.
Survivors include her two sons, Rev. John (Patti) Chadwick of Batavia and David (Denise) Chadwick of Newfane. Two daughters, Peggy (Tom) Garcia of Hamburg and Sharyl Chadwick of Clarence. Also survived by 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grancchildren.
She was the sister of the late Elsie Cropp.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday (July 27th), 11am at J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. A luncheon will follow at Northgate Free Methodist Church South Campus, 350 Bank Street, Batavia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society or a favorite animal shelter.
Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net
Arrangements were entusted to the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. Ronald Konieczny II, Director & Proprietor.
