Shirley G. Hockey, 88, of Honeoye Falls, New York, and formerly of Brownville, New York, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. Her husband, son, daughter and son-in-law, and granddaughter were at her side.
Born on July 28, 1935, in Gouverneur, New York, she was the daughter of Merrill and Eva (Huntley) Goodison. Shirley graduated from Gouverneur High School and later from the Central City Business Institute in Syracuse. She dedicated many years as a secretary at New York Airbrake, retiring in 1992.
On August 18, 1956, Shirley married Eugene Hockey in Gouverneur, New York. Shirley and Gene were introduced as teenagers by her brother, Sonny, and were together for nearly 74 years. They made Brownville their home for most of their married life. Gene worked for NY Telephone Co. as a cable splicer, retiring in 1989.
Shirley enjoyed reading and sewing as relaxing hobbies. Some of her fondest memories came from traveling alongside her husband in their travel trailer, exploring the beauty of the United States. She enjoyed time at the family cottage on Sylvia Lake, especially the annual reunion on the 4th of July which included 5 generations! For 25 years, they spent winters in Ocala, Florida, escaping harsh North Country winters.
Among her survivors are beloved husband Gene, daughter and son-in-law, Cindi (Fred) Dowd of Honeoye Falls, NY, and her son and daughter-in-law, David (Cherie) Hockey of Caroga Lake, NY. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Gordon (Charlotte) Goodison of Syracuse, NY, and five grandchildren (Joshua Roth, Bryan Roth, Emily Roth Ishman, Kevin Hockey, and Elliott Hockey). In addition, Shirley had five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her brother, Merrill “Sonny” Goodison.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home in Dexter, NY. Shirley’s wish was to be cremated, with no services held at this time. Burial will take place in Brownville Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Donations in Shirley's memory may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation or the American Stroke Foundation. Online condolences can be left at www.dexterfuneralhome.com.