Shirley J. Etzel

Shirley was born on May 8, 1935 in Red Bank Township, Pa. to Cora Hepler and Percy Morrison. She grew up on the family dairy farm where she learned the rewards of hard work and dedication. She met her husband at Red Bank Valley High School and married Lawrence V. Etzel, Jr. in 1951. They resided in Pennsylvania for the births of their first born son Allen and first daughter Valerie. Following Larry’s work they moved to western New York State where three more daughters were born Linda, Laurie and Julie.

Joy came to Shirley from her devotion to her husband and family. Shirley had a love for music and singing. As a sophomore in high school she was the winner of the Pennsylvania State championship for her soprano rendition of the “Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County”. Upon retirement, she and Larry traveled to many blue grass festivals in their motor home!

Shirley was preceded by her parents, sister Marjorie and brother Bill, her husband Lawrence and daughter Linda. She is survived by her son and wife, Allen and Carol Etzel of Ocala, Fl, daughter and husband Valerie Etzel and Gus Lamoureux of Alameda, CA; daughters; Laurie Etzel Woloszyn and Julie Etzel of Longview, TX grandchildren: Allison , Amy, Amanda, Stephen and Peter, great grandchildren: Haylee, Taylor, Austin, Seth and Morgan , great-great grandchildren, Silas, Hattie and Cora.

Shirley was a loving and nurturing wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the heart of the home.

“A parent’s love is eternal, and though you are no longer with us, your guidance and care continue to light our way. You gave us everything, and now we carry your wisdom and love in our hearts, forever grateful for the life you shared with us.”

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to AccentCare Hospice for their care especially Elizabeth, Alaina, Ashley and Carol.

Celebration of life will be held in summer of 2026 in western New York where the family was raised on the shores of Lake Erie.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of our Moms memory, the family requests a simple act of kindness to someone in need.