Shirley Belknap

Shirley E. Belknap, 85, of Honesdale, died on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert R. “Dober” Belknap on October 21, 2007. The couple married on August 19, 1950. Born on March 17, 1929 in Honesdale, she was the daughter of the late Arthur E.T. and Estella Comfort Smith. She was a Honesdale High School graduate and later was a legal secretary and paralegal for Vic Decker and Bob Bryant. For many years, Shirley also served as Honesdale Borough Council secretary. Shirley was an active member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Honesdale, its Altar and Rosary Society and the choir. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Martin and participated in the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. She enjoyed music, playing her accordion, the piano and organ. Most of all, Shirley loved her family and celebrating all family occasions. Whether it be a holiday or someone’s birthday, Shirley was always cooking and baking to celebrate. Surviving is her son Albert J. Belknap of Honesdale; daughters Anne Marie Hayden and husband Charles and Mary E. Jackson all of Honesdale and Theresa J. Hoffman and husband Richard Jr. of South Canaan; brothers Tracy Smith of Rochester, NY and Myron Smith and wife Rose of Allentown, PA; grandchildren Christina Siepiela, Joseph Slick Jr., Charles Siepiela and Michelle Robinson; 5 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Edith Hitty. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4th at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Honesdale at 10am. Friends may visit Hessling Funeral Home, Inc., 428 Main St. Honesdale on Tuesday from 4 to 7. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions can be made to St. John the Evangelist Parish, 414 Church St. Honesdale, PA 18431