Shirley Donaldson, 76, of Westport, NY, passed away peacefully on Friday December 10, 2021, at Elizabethtown Community Hospital, after a short battle with cancer.
Shirley was born at Hubbard Hall in Elizabethtown, NY, on Sept. 14, 1945, the daughter of Arthur and Ruth (Merrow) Donaldson, Sr. She spent the majority of her life in Westport, where she graduated from Westport Central School. Shirley worked for many years at Westport Central as a bus driver and custodian.
Shirley touched the lives of many students, faculty, and people in the community with her unselfishness, giving ways, and loving heart for everyone around her. She taught lessons of life and love to many of her "adopted kids". She always had a smile, a great sense of humor, and a positive attitude. Her door was always open to anyone who needed shelter, love, advice, or laughter. Her family and friends meant the world to her.
Shirley was predeceased by her mother, Ruth "Babe" Donaldson, and daughter, Kalene "K" Hathaway.
Shirley leaves behind her father, Arthur Donaldson Sr., sister Dale Donaldson and companion Barry Lawrence, sister Debbie Kandzoir and husband Loren, brother Arthur Donaldson Jr. and companion Alice Borden. Three children Kent Hathaway, Tricia Hart and husband Dan, Greg Hathaway and fiance Katherine Lennahan. Her grandchildren Kurtis and Alicia Hathaway, Noah and Olivia Hart, Mikayla and Ty Taggert (and companion Madison Butler), Avrey Hathaway, and one great grandson Jude Taggart. Also left behind, who she held in her heart as her own grandchildren, Erika and Glenn Gentles and their children. Shirley left behind a very dear cousin, Bonnie Hathaway, who held a special place in her heart and considered her more as a sister, a brother in law, Ralph Hathaway, a niece Heather Hathaway and fiance Calvin Cumm, as well as many nieces and nephews, all whom she loved dearly.
The family will receive guests from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Westport Federated Church. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM
Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Westport Ambulance Squad or The American Cancer Society.