Shirley Claire Birchwale, 79, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.
She was born on December 6, 1939 to the late John and Sarah Mann, in Hackensack N.J. Shirley graduated Westwood High School 1958 with honors. She was in the marching band, the National Honor Society and participated in many clubs and activities. She married her beloved husband, the late Arnold Birchwale on September 6, 1958, and together raised their children, Steven and Carol in Westwood NJ. They owned and operated Mann’s Garage until retiring to Schroon Lake N.Y. and then to the Villages FL. in 2007.
Shirley was a Girl Scout Troup leader, served as the president of the Westwood Elks Ladies Auxiliary, member of the Schroon Lake Community Church, The Senior Center and Snowmobile club. Shirley loved riding snowmobiles (up north), boating, driving her golf carts, painting art, playing cards and games (especially mahjong). She loved watching marching bands, they made her cry from joy. But most of all she loved the company of family and friends. If you met her, you fell into one of these groups. She was Mom or Mrs. “B” to every child in the family’s circle and then some. Shirley always put others ahead of herself.
She was involved with many clubs and activities in the Villages- Member of the Precision Golf Car Drill Team, Auto Racing Fan Club, Prius Club, Yesteryear Kart club and the Inner Circle Club. She attended Services at New Covenant United Methodist Church and opened her heart and home to help others all her life. A dear friend said, “Shirley was such a special person that was so interested in everyone else.” And another, “Shirley never had an ill word to say of anyone. She was truly a kind, giving and always loving woman.”
She is survived by her loving son Steven John Birchwale, daughter Carol Marie Birchwale and their significant others Sheryl Swayze and Steven Hirstius, ‘sister” Harriet Stiener, brother and sister-in-laws, Michael and Lucinda Birchwale, Albert and Diane Birchwale, Tim and Patricia Greene.
A church service will be held on Monday, November 18, 2019 at 3:00 pm at New Covenant United Methodist Church, 3470 Woodridge Drive, The Villages, FL 32162 and a memorial service on December 6, 2019 at the Westwood Elks Lodge at 7:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Westwood Elks Lodge, Payable to “Miracle on the Mountain Fund” c/o John Cangelosi, 254 Clavin Street, Township of Washington, NJ 07676.
She will be forever in our hearts and our prayers.
