Shirley M. Monroe

HARTWICK – Shirley M. Monroe, a long-time resident of Hartwick, entered into eternal life early Monday morning, October 27, 2025, at her home on South Street. She was 82.

Born May 17, 1943, in Naugatuck, Connecticut, Shirley was the daughter of Walter J. and Ernestine Jennie (Tabor) Monroe. As a child, she and her family lived in the Naugatuck and New Haven areas of Connecticut. In 1948, they returned to their native Hartwick, where in 1952 they built their home on South Street. She graduated from Hartwick High School.

After high school she married John T. Renwick, Sr. and settled in Hartwick where they had their three children. She was a stay at home mom until the late 60's when they separated. Thereafter, she worked for the Oneonta Dress Factory where she honed her sewing skills and later worked at Sam Smith's Boatyard and was convenience store managers for the Red Barrel/Country Cornermart, Stewarts and others. She ultimately retired from ARC Otsego in Hartwick where she worked as a bus aide.

In her younger years she enjoyed camping at the family camp in the Adirondacks, dancing, sewing, crocheting, and animals – dogs and horses in particular. She was a member and secretary of the Three Rivers Coon Hunting Club in Unadilla for many years. She was caregiver for her mother and older brother. She made friends everywhere she went with her kind nature; everyone was "sweetie or honey" and she had a quick wit and sense of humor. In her later years her time was spent with her toy poodles, Rugrat 1 and 2, watching Gunsmoke and game shows, going for short walks, looking forward to visits from her dear friend, Jeannie, Sunday outings with her daughters, and occasional visits with family and friends.

Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Dorraine S. Young and husband, Dale, and Debra L. Chickerell, all of Otego, and her son, Thomas J. Renwick and wife, Barbara of Westville; 9 grandchildren, Cassandra (Tim) Cuozzo of Morris, Justin Moore of Milford, Christin (Cameron) Bourn of Otego, Clayton (Samantha) Chickerell of Otego, Christopher (Becca) Renwick of Westville, Monica (Andrew) Knoll of Catskill, Adam Renwick of Sherburne, Michael Young of Otego and Dale (Jennifer) Young of Climax, NC; 15 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and her beloved toy poodle, Rugrat 2.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Gerald Douglas "Jerry" "Jiggs" Monroe who died May 8, 2022, and Ronald Walter "Red" Monroe who died February 21, 2024, and a sister, Nancy, who died in infancy. She was also predeceased by her former husband and father of her three children, John T. Renwick, Sr., who died April 12, 2014.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the former Hartwick United Methodist Church now known as The Meeting House at 3080 County Highway 11, Hartwick. Immediately following the service there will be a gathering next door at the Hartwick Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1, PO Box 86, Hartwick, NY 13348 and the Hartwick Emergency Squad, PO Box 208, Hartwick, NY 13348.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.