Shirley Jean Ferguson Gentner
Shirley Jean Ferguson Gentner of Eastport died at her home on December 6. She was 88.
Ms. Gentner was born in Ilion, New York, on August 30, 1924, to Alice Innes Ferguson and Raymond Ferguson. She graduated from Ilion High School in 1942 and then graduated from the Utica School of Commerce. She married George W. Gentner on August 2, 1947. She worked at one time for Remington Rand Plant 2 and also in the purchasing department of General Electric.
Ms. Gentner was retired from the Mohawk Valley General Hospital after years of service there as a nurse’s aid. She was a lifelong member of the Ilion United Methodist Church and joined the East Moriches United Methodist Church after moving to Long Island almost seven years ago, serving for many years as the financial secretary. She was a member of the United Methodist Women’s Group and the Eastern Star. An excellent bowler, she also loved to sing, play Scrabble and do jigsaw puzzles. She was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills and the New York Yankees.
She survived thyroid cancer at age 32 and went on to live a long, happy life.
Ms. Gentner is survived by three children, Terry Lee Gentner and his wife Catherine of Whitesboro, Janice Hurley Gouldstone and her husband Philip of Eastport, and Kim Besig of South Carolina. She is also survived by two granddaughters, Christine Carridi and her husband Ken, and Jessica Gertner; as well as four great-grandchildren, Corrine, Gabriella, Sophia and Elizabeth. Ms. Gentner was predeceased by her husband, George; and her brother, Donald Ferguson.
Visitation was held on Saturday, December 8, at Follett and Werner Funeral Home with the Reverend Charles Cary officiating. A small memorial service will be held in Ilion at a later date. Interment will be at the Armory Hill Cemetery in Illion.
Memorial donations may be made to the Southampton Town Senior Services Adult Day Care Program, c/o Pam Giacoia, 25 Ponquogue Avenue, Hampton Bays, NY 11946 or to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.