NORWICH – Shirley J. Magistro, 82, of 33 Mechanic Street, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born May 5, 1927 in Carbondale, Pa., Shirley was the daughter of George H. and Gladys M. (Boyd) Dibble. After moving to Norwich in 1938, Shirley graduated from Norwich High School in 1945 having been active in various school activities. She began her career working jobs at the Colonia Theater and Norwich Mills before becoming a nurse’s aide at Chenango Memorial Hospital.  After her hospital experience she worked as a medical office assistant for both Dr. James Flanagan and Dr. Thomas Flanagan. Shirley retired after many years of caring for children in her own home on Berry Street.
Devoted to her family, Shirley will be remembered for her love of and dedication to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends. Shirley loved being involved in the activities around her. If there was a project to be worked on, she willingly did her part and the part of three others. If there was cooking to be done, she did too much. If there was a family gathering planned, she couldn't wait for it to come and never missed an opportunity to fuss over her guests. She enjoyed spending time with her friends at the Golden Age Apartments and Marlene Meadows. Shirley played Up-Words, Dominoes, and various card games, never letting love for her fellow players dampen the competitive spark. Some of her Up-Words matches required that she and her opponent take naps during marathon sessions.
Shirley was a member of the Broad Street United Methodist Church, where she helped with communion. She was also a past President of the American Legion Auxiliary and member of the Activity Committee at the Golden Age Apartments.
In 1977, Shirley married Angelo “Buff” Magistro who died in 1997. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Edward and Pamela Bliss of Crawford, Colo.; Stephen and Joyce Bliss of Norwich; and Frances and Richard Baran of Lancaster. She had eight grandchildren: Dugan (and wife Michelle), Tyler, Mike (and wife Laurie), Ray (and wife Michelle), Matthew and David Bliss, and Timothy and Daniel Baran. Shirley had three great grandchildren: Taylor, Flynn and Sydney Bliss.  Shirley is also survived by two step-sons, Mike and Mark Magistro. In addition to many nieces, nephews and cousins she is also survived by her aunt and uncle Alice and Henry Boyd, in-laws Roger and Marjorie Bliss, Tony and Ellen Magistro,  and Mary Annesi. She was predeceased by her son, Charles Bliss and a step-son, Steven Magistro.
Funeral services for Shirley will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Broad Street United Methodist Church. Friends are invited to call at the church on Sunday from noon until the time of the service. Burial will take place in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Shirley may be made to the Broad Street United Methodist Church, Hospice of Chenango County or to the American Cancer Society.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at:  www.wilsonfh.com.