Obituary of Shirley J. Hollowell

CANISTEO: Shirley J. Hollowell, 71, passed away Saturday morning March 12, 2022 at her home surrounded by the comfort, love and care of her family following a long illness. Shirley was born July 23, 1950 in the former Bethesda Hospital in North Hornell to the late Arling F. and Marvel M. (Birchard) Chace. On November 13, 1993, in Canisteo, she married Steven Hollowell who survives and resides in Canisteo. Shirley was a home health care aide serving families in the surrounding areas for several years. Shirley Jean Hollowell grew up in the Canisteo Valley most her life. Living a life full of "hard knock" lessons, she was strong and resilient, persevering through trials that only Hollywood could write. She loved dancing to Patsy Cline and Elvis and could often be found with the broom as her partner while cleaning. She loved her family passionately, and you could always count on her popping in from time to time. She was talented in the art of sewing and quilt making. She loved to bake pies and her specialty was apple and pumpkin (lemon meringue not so much). Her time spent in her most recent years was traveling with her beloved husband Steve "Papa" in their travel trailer. She is survived by her husband Steven Hollowell of Canisteo, her children, Melissa (Keith) Mullen of Canisteo, Nicole (Joseph) Baumgarten of Canisteo, Richard (Bonnie) Nichols of Hornell, Brian Nichols of Canisteo, Jason Coddington of Canisteo and Paul (Alicia) Coddington of Columbus, OH, a stepson, John (Carla) Hollowell of Leesburg, FL. and a sister Yvonne Chace (Ronald Dibble) of Canisteo, 26 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Shirley was predeceased by her parents and a sister Greta Woodworth. There will be no calling hours. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Memorial contributions in Shirley’s name may be made to the Canisteo Wesleyan Church, Greenwood St. Canisteo, N.Y. 14823. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.