| Date of Birth | April 25, 1948 |
| Date Deceased | August 7, 2024 |
| Hometown | Hornell |
| Home State | N.Y. |
Shirley A. Hawkes
HORNELL – Shirley A. Hawkes, 76, formerly of the Hornell area, went to be with her Lord and the angels on Wednesday morning (August 7, 2024) at the Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wellsville, NY, after a long illness.
Born in North Hornell on April 25, 1948 she was a daughter of the late Vernon and Marguerite (Dyke) Towsley. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her foster mother, Genevieve Reynolds; her husbands, Walter Jones and George Hawkes; one brother, Claude Towsley and two sisters, Daisy McLean and Lottie Good.
A resident of the Hornell area for most of her life, Shirley owned and operated the former Shirley’s Restaurant on Main Street in Hornell for several years. She then began her 20 plus year career as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) in several nursing homes and hospitals before she began private duty nursing; caring for people in their homes so they could stay in their own homes as long as possible. Shirley was very devoted to doing whatever she could for her clients and their families.
Due to her own health issues, she was forced into early retirement and to end doing what she loved most, caring for others. In later years Shirley made her home with her daughter and family in Alfred Station, NY.
She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Tina M. Roberts and her husband, Eric (who was a great son-in-law); three loving and precious grandchildren, Joshua, Michael and Caleb, who meant everything to her; also her cat, Sparkie and her “dog-in-law”, Max.
To honor her wishes there will be no calling hours or services.
Those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (where she received wonderful care), 160 Seneca Street, Wellsville, NY 14895 for their special needs.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Shirley’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Shirley are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
