Shirley Eighmy Timonere

Shirley Eighmy Timonere was born May 23, 1934 in Conneaut, OH. In 1956 she married Steven Timonere of Ashtabula, OH and they moved to the Toledo area where Steve had accepted a job with the law firm of Doyle, Lewis & Warner. They rented a small cottage in Maumee and in 1957 Shirley joined The First Presbyterian Church of Maumee where she remained active throughout her life. She taught elementary and middle school and in 1958 had the first of three daughters, still teaching as a substitute and continuing her own education at Bowling Green State University.

In 1977 Shirley accepted a job with WGTE-TV in the Programming and Production Department. She was hesitant about leaving teaching but decided "Once a teacher always a teacher". She realized the opportunity to teach through public broadcasting was an offer she couldn't refuse. In 1982 she was named Director of Broadcasting at WGTE and in 1986 became the Television Station Manager. In 1988 Shirley was named President and CEO of the Public Broadcasting Foundation of Northwest Ohio with four stations in her charge. She remained President and CEO until 2002 when she retired. In her "retirement" she served as Executive Administrator for Ohio Educational Television Stations. Shirley served on the Board of Directors of many organizations including the Toledo Mud Hens, where she played an active roll in the development of Fifth Third Field and the Huntington Center.

Included on a long list of honors and awards, in 2003 Shirley received the Fred Rogers Award, a national presentation from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for Excellence in Children's Television. The third recipient of this award, Shirley was preceded only by Fred Rogers himself and the Sesame Street Workshop.

Although she had a successful professional career what Shirley enjoyed most was her time with her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. She was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking, gardening and for over fifty years Shirley and Steve returned to the site of their 1956 wedding trip in the Manitoulin Islands of Canada.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Osceola and Ford Eighmy; brother Ford Owen Eighmy and her grandson, Steven Bainbridge. She is survived by her husband, Steven Timonere; daughters, Jennifer (David) Bainbridge, Stacia Timonere (Franklin Welch), Anne (Brian) Bennett; grandchildren, Jessica Bainbridge, Mike Bennett, Grace Bennett and sister, Beverly (Bob) Safcik.

Visitation will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Maumee, 200 East Broadway, Maumee, OH on Thursday, March 8 from 3 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Maumee Education Fund, the WGTE Education Fund or The Toledo Symphony.

The Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at

www.walkerfuneralhomes.com

View the online memorial for Shirley Eighmy Timonere

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade from Mar. 4 to Mar. 6, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Timonere

12 Entries

Rudy Peckinpaugh

March 9, 2018

My heartfelt condolences go to Steve and his family. Shirley was a true spark plug who was most entertaining to talk with and Steve, well Steve was funny in his own way and there was nobody better at obtaining court continuances. I always enjoyed the Timoneres. They were also good friends of my parents. Shirley will be missed by her family and the entire Toledo community.

March 9, 2018

A Great woman has left us much poorer for her loss. Shirley was an inspiration to me when we worked at WGTE together. She taught me how important it is to treat everyone with respect- especially employees. I have carried her inspiration and many examples of strength and character with me throughout my entire life. And she was so much fun!

Susan K. Sharkey

March 9, 2018

A great woman has passed. She was an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to have worked with her. She was instrumental in demonstrating to me how important it is to respect everyone, especially employees. I have carried her example throughout my life after WGTE.

Susan K. Sharkey

Laurie Horwitz Cohen

March 7, 2018

I worked with Shirley at WGTE during the 1980s. She was warm, kind, patient and full of spunk! So sorry for your loss.

March 7, 2018

Thinking of you doing this time of sadness. Focus on the memories and know that she has moved to her home in heaven.

Becky Goranson

March 6, 2018

Sorry for your loss may you have peace and comfort during this sad time and in the days to follow.

March 6, 2018

Thinking of all of you during this time of loss. Your Mom/Grandmother was a very special person.

Michelle and John Tilton

March 6, 2018

My deepest sympathy to the Timonere family for your loss. May the God of all comfort strengthen you during this difficult time.

March 5, 2018

I was thinking of Shirley Timonere just recently, in light of the "#metoo" movement. She empowered her female employees and created a safe and encouraging work environment. She taught me a lot.

With sympathy,
Mary Pat McCarthy

Kathy Hinds

March 5, 2018

Mr Timonere, Ann, Jenn and family - I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. It has truly been an honor knowing Shirley as well as being part of her care team. May the memories you have from the past, and knowing she is no longer suffering, help you through this difficult time.

With much sympathy,

Tana Benford

March 4, 2018

Such fond memories of Mrs. Timonere and my time spent at the Timonere house during junior high and high school. She was a wonderful, classy, intelligent lady. My deepest condolences to her family.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results