Shirley Claire Hirsch
ALLENDALE - Shirley Claire Hirsch, age 98, of Allendale, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 19th, 2024. She will be remembered as an elegant, welcoming, and compassionate woman who showed strength and grace throughout her life.
Shirley was a loving and devoted mother of Mitchell Adam Hirsch (Linda), Lauren Julie Hirsch, and Sonnie Beth Carpenter (Greg). She was a cherished grandmother of Simon Caleb Hirsch and Aaron Michael Hirsch. She was a warm and loving aunt and great-aunt to the families of Susan Brossman, Linda Benson (Gary), and Scott Walode (Darlene). Shirley was predeceased by her late husband Samuel T Hirsch (1984) and dear brother Howard Walode (2005).
Shirley was born in Allentown, PA, and raised in the Bronx, NY to Morris and Rose Walode. She graduated at 16 from Walton High School and was awarded the Belding Scribe Award among many other academic honors. After graduating high school, she became the Executive Assistant and Project Manager for the Donald Deutsch Advertising Agency on Madison Avenue while taking evening courses at NYU and CCNY. She later worked in the Radio Isotope Department at Bergen Pines Hospital. Shirley concluded her work career for 20 years as a Vice President of Sales at HW Exhibits and a Consultant at Display Craft in NJ, overseeing sales, design, and installation of corporate trade show exhibits nationwide.
Shirley was passionate about playing Mah Jongg and through the years became a master. She enjoyed playing tennis and golf and was an avid reader. Shirley loved the arts and had a talent for painting and life drawing. She opened her home and heart to many rescued dogs, most recently her devoted companion, Brady.
The family requests memorial donations be made in her memory to the American Heart Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and St. Jude’s Hospital.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 25th at Cedar Park Cemetery - 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ. Arrangements by Louis Suburban Chapel - 13-01 Broadway, Fair Lawn, NJ.