Obituary of Shirley C. Hill

Shirley Cole Hill passed away peacefully on March 28th, 2018 with both her sons by her side. She was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Kathryn Cole and husband, Jim Hill. Shirley is survived by sons Matthew (Lindsay) and Bradley (Meagan), sister Sandy (Dick) Palmer, grandchildren Noah, Conner, Cady, Callum and Marin Hill, and brothers in law Jack Hill and Jerrie Hill, and several nieces and nephews. Shirley was born November 8th, 1944 in Bath, NY. She attended Hammondsport Central School where she graduated in 1962. While growing up, Shirley enjoyed playing basketball and soccer, was a member of girl scouts, band, and chorus. During her high school years, she would help people with laundry, cleaning, and daycare. She also taught Sunday School at the Episcopal Church in Hammondsport and was involved with Rotary. After graduation, Shirley began working at the Taylor Wine Company at the age of 18. She held several roles at the beginning of her career, but eventually became the lab technician. After receiving guidance from some of the finest wine makers in the region, she took over and ran the lab for over 40 years. She blended and analyzed numerous wines including Pleasant Valley's Chocolate Lab. Shirley worked right up until January 3rd, 2018, nearly 55 years of service. Shirley loved the winery and all of her colleagues, but she did say some of them used dirty words and she didn't like that. At the age of 18, Shirley married Preston James Hill on April 27th, 1963. They eventually settled in Bath on East William Street. She was a devoted mother to Matt and Brad helping them with homework, driving them to practice, and cheering them on at games. Shirley also loved her grandchildren very much. She loved to go to their sporting events, dance recitals, musicals, and anything else they were in. Home or away, she would be there supporting them. Shirley was so proud of Conner and loved hearing stories of the fish he caught. She loved watching her youngest, and spunkiest, granddaughter Marin grow into toddlerhood. Her very last event here at Haverling was this year's senior musical Guys and Dolls that she attended on March 8th. Shirley was also a very dedicated member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church here in Bath. She regularly attended early service on Sunday mornings in the Chapel with her granddaughter Cady, after their weekly sleepovers. She enjoyed helping out with all of the dinners and fundraisers at the church as well. She often talked about Father Brad, Carl, and all her friends at the church. Shirley was one of the original members of the Bath Community Sports Boosters founded in 1987. This group built the concession stand and press box at the Howard J. Rock Athletic Facility. Even before the stand was finished, Shirley began cooking hot dogs. As soon as the stand was built, she became the "chief cook and bottle washer". She bought and cooked the food, waited on customers, balanced the books, and they had to be correct down to the penny. In 2013, the Shirley Hill Concession Stand was dedicated to her. She did it all, earning many service awards through the fall of 2017 when she watched her youngest grandson, Callum, play Kiwanis soccer for the first time and her oldest grandson, Noah, play his senior year of Varsity Soccer. After 30 years of dedicated service, she retired her spatula. Shirley was put on this earth to serve and do things for others. That is what made her happy. She was the best mom, grandma, friend, and colleague you could ask for. There is no better burger than the Shirley Burger, which will live on forever. Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 30th at Fagan's Funeral Home in Bath from 12-3pm and 5-7pm. The funeral service will be on Saturday, March 31st at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Bath at 11am with a reception immediately following at the Pleasant Valley Wine Company Visitors Center in Hammondsport. All family and friends are welcome. Memorial Donations can be made to the Shirley Hill Service Scholarship at Bath School District for students who demonstrate an interest in athletics and service. Checks may be made payable to the Bath Central School District, in memory of Shirley Hill.