Obituary of Shirley B. Blanding

WESTFIELD - Shirley B. Blanding, age 90, of Cass Street, Westfield died Monday, September 19, 2011 at Absolut Care of Westfield, Westfield. Shirley was born on March 20, 1921 in Westfield, NY, the daughter of the late George H. and Lillian M. (Farley) Bates. A Westfield resident all her life, Shirley was a 1939 graduate of Westfield High School. Following graduation she went to work for her father's business, Bates Brothers Electric Company. She had worked at Welch foods in the Lab for several years and retired from Westfield Academy after 17 years in the cafeteria. She married Allan Glenn Blanding on May 7, 1942 and enjoyed 52 years of marriage until Mr. Blanding's death on March 26 1995. They were named "Sweethearts of the Church" by the First Baptist Church of Westfield, where they were both very active. Shirley had been a member of the Church since 1929 and taught Primary Sunday School Classes for many years and had been a member of the Potentia Class. Loved and cherished by her family, friends and Church family, Shirley enjoyed sending cards to them on special occasions. She will be missed by all who have known her cheery smiles and friendly hugs, as well as a good word for everyone and a positive attitude in all things. She is survived by her daughter, Catherine B. Aragona and her husband Dominick of Tucson, AZ, her son, Terry A. Blanding and his wife Kathleen of Jamestown, NY, her grandchildren Carey and her husband Jerry Lee of Jamestown, Timothy Horner and his Fiance', Jennifer Johnston of Charlotte, NC, and her great granddaughter, Avery Georgakis of Jamestown. No Calling will be observed. The funeral will be held on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011 at 11 AM at the First Baptist Church of Westfield, 9 Kent Street, Westfield, with Rev. Thayne Bodenmiller officiating. Burial will be private in Westfield Cemetery Memorials may be made to The First Baptist Church of Westfield. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send Shirley's family a message of sympathy