Obituary of Shirley M. Wingert

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shirley M. Wingert, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Shirley is the daughter of Bryon and Ruth (Hoy) Morris. Shirley was 89 years young. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas H. Wingert, Sr., parents; Bryon and Ruth Morris, Brother; Robert Morris, and sister-in-law Betty Morris, sister; Alyce L Cornish and her brother-in-law Chester Cornish, nephew Chester J Cornish and loyal canine companion Molly. She is survived by her son Thomas Wingert Jr (Kari), daughter Pam Loomis (Ron), daughter Penny Walls (Curtis), niece Nancy Galvin (Johnny), and her Grand-children, Bryan Boris, Don (Ashley), Art, Ted Loomis, and great child, Liam Loomis, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Shirley’s essence of goodness and compassion was present to family, friends, her students; along with everyone she came across. Shirley loved the Holidays; where she would reach out to family members and invite them all to her home for a day of traditional home-cooked meals created by her and her mom; Grandma Ruth, all the while engaging with jovial conversations catching up with life events of all who were welcomed. At these family gatherings Moms’ seating rules were enforced; Women sat in the Dining room and the men sat in the kitchen/breakfast room; all the while making sure everyone got their food first and then finally serving herself. Shirley would beam with great pleasure that her family was gathered, eating, talking, laughing and loving special times together. She truly felt Blessed for each of these Family gatherings. Mom’s passion for her chosen career in education and personal development of all her 2nd grade students at both Edgeworth Elementary School and George Washington Elementary schools in Elmira, is her second greatest personal achievement after her family. This was evident in the years of personal student-teacher communications through phone conversations, exchange of Holiday greeting cards or just the joyful conversations struck up in passing. Her facial expression and voice rose up with pride knowing that her students were successful whether it be with work career, a family of their own, or just being a good person. She is proud of all her students. Shirley that most people did not know; was the Euchre Playing Bailey Irish Cream sipping laughing card Player. Whether the card game was at the VanOsdol’s home, or at Harris Hill with the Crukro’s or at their own home with Kari and Tom Jr.; mom proved to be a very capable card player, a funny conversationalist and great spotter of card cheaters; the Tom’s. She was such a good sport to put up with all the nonsense and bad jokes. She will be missed. Funeral arrangements are being made by Barber Funeral Home in Horseheads. In keeping with Shirley’s wishes there will be no services. The burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Shirley to Chemung County Library Book Mobile. https://www.chemunglibraries.org/donate Shirleys final wish is: “Read a Book and Learn Cursive Writing”. Always the Loving Teacher in and out of the classroom.