Shirley J Head

Shirley J. Head, 94, formerly of Venice Center, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at the Commons on St. Anthony, Auburn, NY.

Born in Cortland, NY, on March 10, 1932, Shirley was the daughter of the late Birt and Ada (Reed) Shevalier. Shirley held various positions in her early years, starting with being a farmer's wife, working in the barn and fields. She worked as a switchboard operator in Moravia and was a factory worker at Smith Corona in Groton, NY, and Dunn and McCarthy in Auburn. Her main job was raising her nine children and numerous neighborhood kids.

She was an excellent organist, self-taught, for over forty years with the Venice Baptist Church and the Scipio Community Church. Shirley loved to bake, especially her cinnamon rolls, molasses cookies, and her apple pie. She was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Family and friends were most important to her, and she cherished the time she shared with each of them. She really enjoyed her coffee time with her neighbor, Marge Rejman, and most of all, she was strong in her faith and cherished her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Shirley is survived by her children, Raymond C. Head Jr. (Valerie), Kenneth D. Head, Joseph H. (Pam) Head, Barbara (Lyle) Bacon, Donna Meade, Daniel K. (Barb) Head, Robert C. (Victoria) Head, and Darla J. Head; her bonus daughter, Betty Head; and her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Raymond C. Head Sr. in 1991; her son, James E. Head in 2025; and her sister, Beverly Bossard in 1981.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 27th, from 4 PM - 8 PM in White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South Street, Auburn, NY. A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, May 28th, at 11 AM in the funeral home. A short calling hour will be held prior, from 10 AM - 11 AM. Burial will be held privately for family.

Following the service at the funeral home, friends are invited to join at the Long Hill Fire Department, 3513 Long Hill Road, Venice Center, NY, to continue to gather and celebrate Shirley's life.

The family would like to thank the healthcare workers at The Commons for the care they provided Shirley during her stay.

Donations may be offered to Long Hill Fire Department, 3513 Long Hill Road, Venice Center, NY, or the Make a Wish Foundation, 5005 Campus Wood Dr., East Syracuse, NY 13057.

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