Obituary of Shirley M. Brink

Shirley May Brink Age 87 of Elmira Heights, NY, went to be with the Lord Thursday, September 19, 2024. She was born October 21, 1936 in Elmira, daughter of the late Arnold and Rowena Pearl (Roll) Pierce. She married Gordon R. Brink on August 20, 1955 at Riverside United Methodist Church in Elmira. He predeceased her in 2002. She was also predeceased by her infant daughter, Karen Lynn Brink; granddaughter Nicole Shiree (named for Shirley) Stanley; siblings Edwin Pierce, Jean Ann Brink and Eleanore Kimber; Aunt Eleanore and Uncle Glenn Root. Shirley is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Kim (Tim) Mott of Greenville, TX, Eleanore "Micki" (Clayton Brovold) Stanley of Polson, MT, Penny Brink of Columbus, OH, Donna (Walt) Woodcock of Elmira Heights, NY and Belinda "Billie" (John) Harrison of Narragasett, RI; grandchildren Jonathan, Jason, Elaine, Ryan, Martha, Kera, Nick, Zach, Amanda, Samantha and Parker; many great grandchildren along with nieces and nephews. Shirley was a proud member of Oakwood United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She retired from First Heritage Federal Credit Union "It's not a bank"; was a former employee of TMC Credit Union and Marine Midland Bank. She was former Secretary/Treasurer of the Elmira Heights Democratic Party and a charter member of the Scamper Camper Club in which she enjoyed playing cards and campfires with friends and family. Shirley May graduated from Southside High School and after her 50th reunion she organized monthly luncheons with her friends for many years. English was her favorite subject. Her daughters and coworkers always had her proof their papers before handing in. She loved to compose poems all her life, culminating in a book she had published for her family. Reading was a passion in which she passed down to her girls. Shirley loved completely and gave to others more than herself, her children always came first. Drawing and painting with her children and grandchildren, she had them paint rocks in which to lavished her flower beds with their creations, so when they went home she had a part of them with her. Her heart was open to all babies but nothing more than her five daughters. She was the best mom. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Friday, September 27th from 5 to 7 pm. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 28th at 1 pm in Oakwood United Methodist Church, 212 Oakwood Ave., Elmira Heights. Committal prayers and interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember Shirley through donations to Oakwood United Methodist Church, 212 Oakwood Ave., Elmira Heights, NY 14903