Shirley (Butler) Paprocki

Shirley (Butler) Paprocki died April 24, 2023, at peace after a monthslong series of healthcare issues while residing at Smith’s Mill Health Campus in New Albany. She was born June 20, 1935, in Rochester, New York, to Andrew and Elizabeth “Betty” (Broderick) Butler. Her sister, Mary Lou (Chichka), arrived a few years later. The family moved several times before settling in Columbus, Ohio, in time for Shirley to graduate from North High School. She soon met Raymond Eugene Paprocki of Steubenville, Ohio, and they married in 1955. After a handful of years living outside of Ohio, the couple returned to Columbus for the rest of their lives, where they started a family: a daughter, Cindy (Paprocki) O’Donnell and son, Ray. Shirley and Raymond were married for 66 years before his passing in March 2021. Their daughter preceded them in 2009. Shirley devoted her life to her husband and children, as well as to her friends and family that eventually included five grandchildren and nine great-children (with another due in the fall). She was a dedicated grandmother. She and her sister remained remarkably close until Shirley’s passing; it was a rare day that they did not talk to each other. Shirley also was an exceptionally good neighbor. In her earlier years, she won several trophies as a bowler. And, fueled by her husband and son’s interest in sports, she enjoyed watching televised athletic events, particularly Ohio State men’s basketball. She and her husband, an airline mechanic for TWA for 40 years, took advantage of an airline benefit to travel together domestically and abroad to locations such as Rome and London. She was a devout Catholic, formerly attending St. Matthias and St. Anthony parishes. Her other interests included gardening, reading novels and putting together puzzles; she also was known for sending greeting cards for holidays and special occasions. During her time at Smith’s Mill, she deeply appreciated the staff and the Mount Carmel Hospice team for their compassionate care. Before her passing, Shirley drew comfort from the love and support of her close friends and family. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, husband and daughter. Survivors include son, Ray, and Sherry (Beck) Paprocki and sister, Mary Lou, and Jim Chichka, as well as their children Jim and Beth. The grandchildren and their families include Justin Paprocki and Sarah Demaree, with Benjamin and Libby; Evan and Janae Holmes, with Alexander and Caroline; Ana (Paprocki) and Teddy Piper, with Griffin and Molly; Ryan Holmes and Haygen Mowder, with Rory; and Patrick and Sarina O’Donnell, with Sebastian and Leonardo. The family requests any donations to be directed to The Cindy O’Donnell Foundation, a nonprofit established in the name of Shirley’s daughter to give back to the community of Shadyside and the Ohio Valley. Cindyofoundation.org. Arrangements by Schoedinger Margarum Northeast. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a special memory or extend condolences.