Shirley E. Flaitz – (83) – of 153 Leach Ave., Hornell, died Sunday morning (December 27, 2015) at the home of her daughter in Cedar Creek, TX, following a brief illness.

Born in Liberty, PA on January 27, 1932, she was the daughter of Arnold & Ella (Scarborough) Plank.

Shirley spent her early years on her family farm in Liberty, PA and when she was about 12 years old, her family moved to the Hornell – Canisteo – Almond area.  She was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School (class of 1951).  She later graduated from Cosmetology School in Buffalo, NY.

She served the community as a licensed beautician, cosmetologist & hairdresser for about 60 years.  Throughout the years she owned & operated a beauty parlor in Almond and later owned & operated New Image Salon of Hornell.   She also worked at several local beauty salons, including Beau-Tan Beauty Shop, and Tres’ Chic in Hornell. Shirley was on call for decades at several area funeral homes.  She retired in October, 2014 after working with Karen Kinnerney-Bradley.

Shirley spent most of her “free time” attending family functions and get-togethers.  She especially enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s school and sporting events.  She will be remembered for her contagious laugh and ever-present smile.  She certainly brought a smile to everyone’s face simply by “being Shirley”. She was adored by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She brought joy and laughter to everyone that knew her. Her love was truly unconditional and her family was blessed more than words could ever express to be a part of her life.

She was married to Samuel “Sam” Flaitz who died in 1987.  She was also preceded in death by two step-sons, Ronald Flaitz and Norman Flaitz; her brother, Lyle Plank.

Surviving are 2 sons, Gerald “Jerry” (Patricia) Flaitz of Alfred Station and Kevin Flaitz of Alfred Station; 3 daughters, Cynthia (David) Jamison of Arkport, Deborah “Debby” (Daniel) Warczok of Arkport and Sally (Steve) McQueen of Cedar Creek, TX; 1 step-son, James Flaitz of Florida; 2 sisters, Beverly (Harold) Snyder of Alfred and Wanda (Randy) Atkin of Arlington, TX; 13 grandchildren: Gerald Flaitz JR, Eric Flaitz, Kaitlyn Flaitz, Jessica Flaitz, Zachary Jamison, Schuyler Jamison, Ryan Jamison, Cheyenne Jamison, Rachel Warczok, Nathan Warczok, Adam Law, Mike Flaitz, and David Flaitz; 4 great-grandchildren, Taylor Flaitz, Olivia Flaitz, Derek Flaitz, and Mason Flaitz; several nieces & nephews. Also, a very dear friend and neighbor Bill Harwood and family.

The family of Shirley E. Flaitz will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 PM (noon) until 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Shirley’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to a charity that was very important to her, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 – Dept. 300, Memphis, TN  38148.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a memorial form.