Obituary of Shirley E Babuka

Shirley (Vermilya) Babuka passed away peacefully on April 13th, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Binghamton, New York, on November 4th, 1935, to Lucretia and Wilber Vermilya. Shirley's life was marked by kindness, dedication, and a deep love for those around her. She was predeceased in 1999 by her beloved husband, Bill, after 35 years of marriage. Their two personalities were so opposite – yet so perfect together. Together they raised their two children Ron (Kim) and Terri (Ed) Kozloski to value family and hard work. Shirley's greatest joy came from her family. She adored her four grandchildren: Katherine, Jack, Billy, and Christopher. They became the center of her world, and she threw herself into being a world class grandma. Shirley's home was a place of warmth, where old family recipes were always on the menu (or a quick trip through the McDonald's drive-thru if they wanted). She could be found at the sidelines of their games whenever possible, school assemblies, and dance recitals. She was known to slip a few dollars in an envelope as a little treat. Her siblings—Willy (Rosanne), Will, Susan, and Sarah (Paul)—share many memories of Shirley taking her role as the oldest to heart. She also cherished her Babuka family – including Peter, Paul, Michael (Jackie) and Joyce – and loved our big family gatherings. Through her family, which also included many nieces and nephews, she enjoyed a life filled with love and laughter – and what a great laugh she had! For 28 years, Shirley worked as a cafeteria cook/manager in the Union-Endicott School District. Most of those years were spent at Charles F Johnson School, where she not only prepared meals but also nourished the hearts of students and staff. Shirley's culinary talents extended beyond school walls; she was known as "The Cookie Lady" at the Endicott Police Department, delighting officers with her homemade cookies and holiday meals. Shirley was a lifelong member of Christ Episcopal Church until she moved to St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Her unwavering faith guided her actions, and she found solace in the fellowship of her church community. Special thanks go to the dedicated aides at Vestal Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center who cared for Shirley during her final days. Linsey, Meira, and Giovanni provided compassionate support, and Linsey's thoughtful help with calls kept Shirley connected to her loved ones. She loved you "a bushel and a peck". Services to celebrate Shirley's life will be held at St Pauls Episcopal Church 200 Jefferson Ave, Endicott, Friday April 19,2024 at 1 PM. Burial will be in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Endicott. The family will receive friends at the Church Friday from 12 noon until service time at 1. As we honor her memory, may we continue to share love, kindness, and homemade kolochkis—the way Shirley would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to your favorite charity.