Obituary of Shirley Ann Cook

GREENWOOD: Shirley Ann Cook (85) of Greenwood, NY passed away, at her home with her family by her side, on September 29th, 2018.

Shirley was born in Canisteo during the spring of 1933 to Harlo and Winifred (Alger) Porter.  In her youth, she resided in Dansville and Canisteo, graduating from Canisteo Central School in 1950.  On November 18th, 1956, she married Rodney (Shine) Cook and lived the remainder of her life in Greenwood. She and Shine had 54 years together.

Shirley's greatest priority in life was her family. She gave her unconditional love to her family, loving each member with all her heart. Her grandchildren were undoubtedly her pride and joy. 

Following high school, Shirley began her college education at Buffalo State, completing her bachelor's degree in Home Economics.  Home Economics was the ideal choice of careers as Shirley was a gifted seamstress and an excellent cook.  Her career in Home Economics began at the Scio Central School, where she taught from 1954-1958.  In 1963, she continued her teaching career at the Greenwood Central School, teaching Home Economics from 1963-1967.  She expanded her schooling in elementary education at Alfred University and taught Fourth Grade from 1968 - 1989.  She truly enjoyed her students and her teaching experiences.  She also cherished her many friendships with co-workers over the years. In 1989, she retired from Greenwood, but continued as a BOCES Professional Development mentor at various schools in Steuben County until 1994.

Throughout her life, Shirley enjoyed traveling in the United States and abroad.  Following college, her journeys through Europe and Mexico with her friend Norma Coleman, gave her many fond memories.  During her marriage, Shirley and Shine traveled to various states and in later years, the two spent their winters in Florida.  In 2010, she had the opportunity to visit Ireland one more time with her sisters, Janice and Peggy.  In her final years, she was happy to just ride through Steuben County marveling at the beauty of our region.

Shirley is survived by her daughters: Deborah (Jeffrey) Ahearn of Greenwood; Carol (Dave) Cook of Scottsville, Grandchildren: Alison of Raleigh, NC and Christopher of Greenwood, NY, Sisters: Janice Teribury of Jasper, Peggy (Arnold) Holt of Jasper, Judy (Tim) Ingalls of Hornell, Sister-in-law: Eleanor Porter of Zephyrhills, Fl.  Many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband in 2010, her parents, brother: (Ralph), brother-in-law: Donald Teribury, and son-in-law: Paul Binder, Jr.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Saturday, October 6th at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. Canisteo where a memorial service and celebration of Shirley's life will take place immediately following calling hours at 8:00 pm. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Alzheimer's disease unfairly took away many of Shirley's fond memories toward the end of her life.  It is hoped that other families will be able to avoid this devastating disease in the future.  Please consider a donation in her name to either the Alzheimer's Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620 at Alz.org or the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Co., c/o Mason Burdick, 1577 Andover Street, Greenwood, NY 14839.