Shirley A. Wing

Born in Gowanda, April 6, 1934, the daughter of Donald L. and Hazel A. (Meyers) Smith..

As a child Shirley was fond of horses, and had a horse named Silver King. A long standing and devoted member of the Gowanda Free Methodist Church, Shirley served on various committees and was on the Board of Administration. Shirley always enjoyed music. She played the piano/ organ and was active with the church music ministry. Shirley’s church family was a very big part of her life. She directed and sang in the choir and encouraged the church youth through music and song. She enjoyed the quilting projects through church and would quilt for the needy, especially during the holidays and would let you know the finished project had love in every stitch. Shirley’s mother taught her how to crochet, embroider and knit, crafts she enjoyed and shared with family and friends, the Buffalo City Mission, the Buffalo Cornerstone Manor, the Gowanda Nursing Home and LOVE INC. Many new born babies in the area were blessed to receive the many “hand made” quilts, lap blankets and covers that were made.

Shirley A. Smith married Richard D. Wing on April 4, 1953 at the Gowanda Methodist Church, Richard passed away on a “date night” with Shirley July 17, 2021 at the Fredonia Opera House.

Shirley worked as an office technician for the former Gowanda Eye Center in Gowanda for 36 years, Dr. Sidney Zucker and then later for Dr. Eugene McDonough were not only her employers but were friends.

Survivors include her children; Sandy (Kevin Stephens) Wing of Cattaraugus, Randy (Jackie) Wing of Collins, Shari (Lisa Parker) Wing of Cape Vincent, NY along with 4 grandchildren; Neil and Bryan Wing, Jennifer Jones and Lauren Hoosier along with great grandchildren, a brother Richard (Carol) Smith of Lakeland, Fla. and several nieces and nephews.

The family would also like to acknowledge the many friends and caregivers that were there for her, especially in the past few months.

When asked what hope she had in death her reply was to be singing and dancing with Jesus, her mom and dad, her husband Richard, son Mark and grandson Colton .

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard of 68 years (July 17, 2021) , son Mark R. Wing ( October 25, 2014) and her grandson Colton Wing (April 14, 2002).

A Celebration of Shirley’s life will be held Saturday August 24, 2024 at 10:00am followed by an 11:00am Service at the Gowanda Free Methodist Church 149 West Main St. Gowanda, NY 14070 (please assemble at church). Rev. Simon Knighten, Lead Pastor, officiating. A luncheon to follow at the church. Burial will take place Sunday August 25, 2024 at 3:00pm in the Cottage Cemetery, where Shirley will be laid to rest with the family that has preceded her in her passing.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Gowanda Free Methodist Church Building Fund or Quilting Ministry, 149 West Main St. Gowanda, NY 14070 or to the St. Jude Children Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas PL. Memphis, Tenn. 38105.