Shirley P. Fisher

On Saturday, April 13, Dr. Shirley Pruner Fisher, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away at Serenity Hospice in Hamilton, NJ surrounded by family. She was eighty-five years of age. Shirley spent her early childhood in Honesdale, PA where she developed a love for sports, music, and swimming. She started what would become a 68-year calling to teach swimming in Honesdale, then in the Crosswicks, Chesterfield and Bordentown areas. Shirley earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physical education from East Stroudsburg University and a doctor of education degree from Nova University. She spent five years as a physical education teacher and coach at MacFarland High School in Bordentown and an additional 33 years as a coach for field hockey, then professor of health education at Trenton State College. She was a dedicated and highly impactful educator, who developed the Community Action Reaching Everyone (C.A.R.E.) program as a way to promote character education among students in the Bordentown schools. She was also recognized as recipient of the Honor Award for the New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and was inducted into the Bordentown Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame for her contributions as a coach for women’s athletics in the early 60’s.  

In her retirement, Shirley continued her involvement with the American Red Cross, both as a swimming instructor and CPR instructor. She was also a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Bordentown where she sang in the choir and managed the craft room for the church bazaar. She was widely known for her hand-stitched crafts and tissue box covers. Along with her husband, Shirley served on the Community Concert Association of Bordentown, bringing a variety of music to the area. Shirley was well known throughout the community and will be remembered for her vibrant spirit and generosity of time for community activities.

Shirley’s greatest joy was spending time with her husband of 63 years, Charlie, and raising her two children, Michele and Chuck in Crosswicks, NJ. She passed her love of sports and music to her children and grandchildren and whole heartedly supported their endeavors in school, athletics and music. Shirley was an avid sports fan and closely followed her favorite baseball team, the Phillies, and many other sports throughout the year. She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and vacationing in Vermont and Lancaster, PA.

Shirley is predeceased in death by her husband (Charles M. Fisher), her parents Hazel (Doney) and Frederick Pruner, as well as her sister Eva Crocker (husband Jack). She is survived by her children Michele Fisher (wife Karen Borgstrom) of Columbus, NJ, and Charles F. Fisher (wife Lynda) of Burlington, NJ; as well as grandchildren Charles W. Fisher, Catherine Fisher, and Stephanie Fisher.

Shirley touched many lives through her involvement with her family and friends, her church family, her students and colleagues. She will truly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. May her memory be a source of comfort and strength to those who mourn her loss.

A celebration of life service for Shirley will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20th at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 339 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown. Visitation with the family will precede the service from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Bordentown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley’s name, may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 339 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown, NJ 08505.