Shirley J. Smith
January 14, 1936 – October 15, 2025
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m. Shirley will be laid to rest at East Cooper Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 89 of Parchment passed away Wednesday afternoon, October 15, 2025. Shirley was born in Kalamazoo on January 14, 1936, the daughter of Peter and Dorothy (Akin) Hoogenboom. Shirley loved playing Bingo at the Community Center in Comstock and later in her assisted care residence. She also liked visiting the casino. Shirley was a devoted fan of the Detroit Tigers. She worked for many years as a cashier at Harding’s. She became well-known for her friendliness. She was easily recognized by people who she had met at work. She was a “mom” to many. Her own children’s friends all adored her and enjoyed being with her. Shirley is survived by her children, James (Nancy) Cook, Cindy (Larry) McFarlin, Steven (Vicki) Smith, Jeffrey (Cathy) Smith, Jayne (Randy) Rieder; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren, with three more on the way; brother, Gerald (Leona) Hoogenboom; nieces and nephews and many, many friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents.
Sending my heartfelt sympathy and prayers are being said for the entire Smith/Cook family. Shirley will lovingly be remembered as my special mother-in-law, grandma to my son, Brian (Kendra)Cook and daughter, Michelle Cook and great grandma to Austin Cook and Brock Seely. Shirley was well known and loved by most of the PHS Class of 1973 and many will remember her from Hardings in Parchment, where she ran a register for many years. Jim & Nancy Cook, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet and loving mom. May God bless and comfort you both during this time of mourning.
Shirley Smith Family Your mom was a sweet lady. We lived around the corner from you guys. I loved seeing her at Hardings. It has been many years since I have seen her, but always remember her as a sweet lady.