Shirley Janet Rudnick

Shirley Janet Reilly Rudnick Passed away on February 8, 2016, in Lake Mary Florida, at 93 years of age. Shirley was born on October 16th 1922 in Detroit, Michigan. Her parents John Reilly and Ivy Shillum were Irish and English immigrants. Immigrating to Canada before moving to Detroit, Michigan where Shirley was born. Before her first birthday she moved with her parents and brother Jack to Brooklyn, NY.. During her childhood years Shirley and family moved to Jamacia, Queens where she graduated from High School. Shirley nicknamed "Irish" in High School played various sports and was a member of the Varsity Club and Student Council. Her post High School years through her 20's were spent traveling with friends on ski trips, beach vacations and sightseeing adventures. Upon graduating High School Shirley worked in Manhattan. Her employment in the city as a secretary and receptionist found her first in an Empire State Building office, next at N.Y. Life Insurance in NYC, before returning to Jamacia to work at Fairchild Camera. in the 1980'S after raising her four children Shirley once again used her secretarial skills as the receptionist for the Dean at Seminole Community College. (currently Seminole State) In 1949 Shirley married Joseph "John" Rudnick. They bought their first home in Cambria Heights, Queens, Long Island and began their family life. Shirley stayed at home to care for the children. John was a NYC Fireman, working with a Queens Village Fire Department. Their next move was to Baldwin Long Island where Shirley and John raised 4 children enjoying the suburbs and Long Island beaches! A favorite day was one spent with friends, mooring their ChrisCraft boat at Short Beach for a day of swimming and picnicing. Later a summer bungalow in Oakdale, Long Island gave their famiy a permanent address at the beach, where they enjoyed the Great South Bay boating, fishing and the Fire Island Beaches. Retirement (1973) found them on a small lake in "The Woodlands" of Longwood Fl. Shirley loved her role as Mother and Homemaker. She enjoyed caring for her family, sewing and knitting. Her home's had her signature all around, in re-upolstered furniture, curtains, and for the children scarves, mittens, sweaters and custom clothing. Once a month Shirley and High School Friends would for DIY Projects. Occassionally this group along with their husbands would gather for an evening of dinner and dancing. Shirley loved to dance enjoying the music of the Big Band Era, and dancing the 'Lindy" with the best of them! In retirement friend gatherings enjoyed plays, movies, bowling league (with 200 games!) and more travel adventures. In her Grandmother years she enjoyed caring for and spending time with her grandchildren. She even found pleasure in child care for neighborhood families. Keeping in touch with the Michigan grandkids meant traveling to LeRoy a couple of times a year and hosting Christmas Celebrations for the entire family! She is preceeded in Death by: Husband-Joseph "John" Rudnick, Mother- Ivy Mullihan, Father-John Reilly, Stepfather-Howard Mullihan, Brother-Jack Reilly, Son-John Rudnick, Great-Granddaughter Mae Krell and is survived by: Son-Richard (Patti) Rudnick, Daughters -Barbara (Jerry) Grimes, and Susan (Mark) Krell. Grandchildren Gabriel (Jana) Krell, Jessica (Mike) Curnett, Joanna Krell, Philip (Kristen) Grimes, Kacey Grimes, Devon Rudnick, Presley Rudnick and 7 Great-Grandchildren. Shirley will always be remembered for her "kind, gentle, spirit", her love of family and for welcoming and nurturing friendships! As her memory faded her personality did not fade. She kept the twinkle in her eye and a song in her heart! She continued to make friends and her lucky family continued to feel her love! She will be deeply missed!Funeral services will be at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Hwy 436, Altamonte Springs, FL. on February 26th, 2016. There will be a 9:30-10:30 am Visitation with Family , a 10:30 Memorial Service, with 12:00 noon burial @ Highland Memory Garden (Apopka, FL) a Luncheon will follow. Expressions of Sympathy can be made to the Alzheimers Foundation or to Pine River Elementary School Library- 408 W Gilbert St. LeRoy, Michigan 49655