Shirley A. Bednar

Shirley A. Bednar, 80, of Massillon, passed away on October 18, 2023, at Aultman Hospital. She was born on August 15, 1943, to the late Paul and Shirley (Shipley) Norris.

She was a 1961 graduate of Washington High School and a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Massillon.

Shirley worked in the mail room at Suarez Corporation Industries in Canton for over 20+ years.

She was incredibly passionate about animals all her life and enjoyed dog sitting and caring for the neighborhood cats which she always went above and beyond for.

Shirley made lifelong friendships throughout her life and in later years, some of those same friends would still get together weekly. She also enjoyed playing cards multiple times a week with friends at the senior center.

Shirley’s outgoing personality made social outings very enjoyable. Whether it was taking trips to Amish country, visiting wineries, going to her favorite pop-up bars during the holidays or gathering at the Buckeye Club a few times a week, she sure knew how to have fun no matter where or what the occasion was.

Above all, Shirley’s family was always her main focus. Throughout the years, she never missed a sporting event or school activity. She was their #1 fan. Many memories were made, whether it was a trip to Surfside Beach, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls or visiting family.

She will be deeply missed by her children Kim (Mark) Riddle, Missy Hiers, Beth (Scott) Biehl and Adam (Amanda) Bednar; grandchildren who were the light of her life, Courtney Riddle, Mark (Breeanna) Riddle, Jr., Kyle Hiers, Hailey Biehl, Brody Biehl and Jacob Gore; and two great-grandsons who she adored, Zeke and Hank Riddle.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband of 29 years, Gary Bednar and her brother Donald Norris.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 23rd from 5-7 p.m. at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Roger Alber officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Massillon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s memory to, One of a Kind Pet Rescue, 1929 W. Market St., Akron, OH, 44313.