Shirley Hopkins Gillis

Shirley Hopkins Gillis a 52-year resident of Croton-on-Hudson passed away peacefully at home on June 29, 2024.

Shirley was born in Willow Creek just outside of Ithaca, NY on November 21, 1932, the daughter of of C. Arthur and Dorothy Halstead.

Shirley graduated from SUNY Cortland in 1954 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She met her future husband and love of her life Walter at USO dance in Geneva, New York. They were married for 54 years, during which they traveled all over the world and raised two children, Heather & Gregory.

Shirley went on to be a teacher at various Elementary schools for over 35 years. One being very memorable was in St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, where they lived for three years. She finished her teaching career at Carrie E. Tompkins, where she taught for 23 years. Where she was beloved and spoken of fondly by all.

Shirley was a devout member of Asbury United Methodist Church as well as one of the founding members of the Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger. She also was a very active volunteer of the Cortland Emergency Food Pantry.

Shirley loved all animals. Whether riding horses when she was younger with her childhood friend Marcia, or her various pets she had over the years. Shirley never met a stray she didn’t like. “The purity of a person’s heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals.”

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Walter and her brother Jerome. She is survived by her sister Sandra, her brother James (his wife Carol). Also, sisters-in-law Mickey Halstead and Peggy Gillis. Her children Heather and Gregory and grandchildren Kyle, Brendan and Kaitlyn.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger, 17 Old Post Road South, Croton-on-Hudson, New York 10520 - www.runagainsthunger.com

A memorial service will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church in Croton-on Hudson on August 10, 2024 at 11:00 am