Shirley N. Westendorf

Shirley N. Westendorf, 84, of Colts Neck, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family.
Shirley was born and raised in Belford, NJ. She graduated from Leonardo High School, and married the love of her life, Horace, in 1955. They started their life together in a house on his family boat yard, in East Keansburg. Both she and her husband started out together with a shared entrepreneurial spirit. They both had acute business minds. Their first business together was a gas station which her husband built. She jumped right in there to start side businesses of her own baking pies and selling Christmas trees in the winter. They then leaped into the restaurant business. The first of these was the Happy Apple Inn of Colts Neck with partners. Her brother-in-Law, George Illmensee was integral in establishing this business as a primary partner and businessman. They then made the next leap with their own restaurant in Imlaystown NJ with The Happy Apple Inn of Imlaystown. She absolutely loved the business and blossomed into a fully realized businesswoman. Going on to get her college degree and making yet another leap into selling real estate. This acumen helped her children find homes, businesses and restaurants of their own. She was very proud that her son and grandson also continue on the tradition, still running the Happy Apple in Imlaystown, NJ.
But really her main love, of course was her family. Having all five children living right near her in Colts Neck was the best blessing. Her house was the Grand Central Station for the family. With various family members continually coming in and out her door for advice and guidance. Whether it be emotional support, spiritual leadership or business advice; she would help the very best she could with each one.
Her varied interests were almost innumerable and always stayed busy. Whether that was enjoying time with family at the Summer home in Stone harbor New Jersey or studying Spanish to playing racquetball she loved to live life to the very fullest. She showed her children how to build their emotional well being, their financial wellbeing and their spiritual wellbeing, being a very devout Christian herself. For Shirley, family was everything and she will be sorely missed.
Shirley is predeceased by her husband Horace; her sister Ruth Field and her brother-in-law George.
Shirley is survivied by her children Debra Schlechter and her husband Paul, Donna Mulvaney and her husband Daniel, Buddy Westendorf and his wife Donna, Dianna Orgo and her husband Thomas Orgo and Deanna Westendorf; her sister Millie Illmensee; her 8 grandchildren and 8+ great grandchildren.
Visitation will be Monday, April 28th from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Rd, Holmdel NJ 07733. A service will be held Tuesday, April 29th at 10:00 AM at the Holmdel Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Middletown.