Shirley Bellinger

Shirley Manz Bellinger of Howes Cave, NY and Palmetto, FL died on August 21, 2015, after a brief illness surrounded by her family at her home. Born on January 25, 1937, she was the daughter of Ella Mae (Mather) and Harry W. Manz of Schoharie, NY. Shirley was raised in Schoharie, graduating from Schoharie Central School in 1954. She then attended Hartwick College, on a scholarship, graduating from its Baccalaureate Nursing Program in 1958. At Hartwick, she met 13 other nursing students all who became lifelong friends. While completing her degree, she married Duncan M. Bellinger on February 1, 1958. After graduating she established a home with Duncan on the Bellinger farm, later renamed Dairyland Sales & Service, on Junction Road, where she spent the rest of her life. Shirley and her husband chose to raise their family on the farm, where they also raised Purebred brown Swiss Cattle, market hogs and 500 acres of feed grains. Their Brown Swiss included many state and national champions and their field crops received many production awards. Shirley's community activities have included involvement in Catskill Area Hospice, Schoharie Co. Historical Society, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H Leader, and Schoharie Co. Farm Bureau. She was also a member of the Schoharie United Presbyterian Church, where she served as elder, deacon, financial secretary and treasurer. Shirley took great pleasure in being a host mother to many foreign exchange students, 19 at last count, from around the world; many of whom still call her "Mom" and visit whenever possible. Shirley enjoyed travel, and many of her travels included visiting some of her former exchange students. One of her favorite trips was a guided tour of the Holy Land. This trip greatly impacted her faith and her understanding of the Bible. Later in life, Shirley and Duncan enjoyed traveling in their motor home throughout the US, Canada and Mexico. They made many friends in their travels. But, Shirley's greatest joy was music, which she shared with her children, church and community. She would often listen to choral and orchestral masterworks on the family's console stereo, which became the backdrop for evening meals. While at Hartwick, Shirley played oboe in the college's symphonic band. One of her proudest musical accomplishments was playing with the symphonic band which was invited to play for the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) All-Eastern conference. Shirley was a charter member of the Depot Lane Singers and sang with the group for 25 years. It was later in life that she discovered her passion and enthusiasm for hand bells. She played in the church's bell choir and eventually became the director, directing several choirs and presenting several concerts and programs. She was also a member and ringer of the Zion Community Ringers in Cobleskill for many years as well as ringing for two churches at her winter residence in Florida. Shirley is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Duncan M. Bellinger; her brother, Lynn (Midge) Manz of Orange City, FL; daughters, Ginny (Mark) Collins of Quaker Street and SaraJane (Todd) Cipperly of Central Bridge; grandchildren, Paul Collins, Kathryn Cipperly, Alexander Cipperly and Bridget Cipperly; as well as a niece, Katrina (Jeff) Dental of Auburndale, FL; and nephew, David (Cora) Manz of Monteverde, FL. She was predeceased by her son, Martin E. Bellinger. A celebration of Shirley's life is planned for Saturday, September 19th at 10:30 a.m. at the Schoharie United Presbyterian Church for friends, family and community. In lieu of flowers, Shirley requested memorial gifts for the Schoharie Presbyterian Church Handbell Program (c/o SUPC, PO Box 340, Schoharie, NY 12157) or the Martin E Bellinger FFA Leadership Scholarship (c/o NBT Bank, Schoharie, NY 12157). Arrangements have been entrusted to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill and Palmer & Shaylor Funeral Home of Middleburgh. Further information and the provision for online condolences may be found at www.merenessputnamfuneralhome.com.