Shirley M. Nellist

Mrs. Shirley M. Nellist, 88, of Medina, entered into rest on Saturday morning, Jan. 26, 2019, at the Martin-Linsin Residence in Albion.

Born Aug. 16, 1930 in Medina, Mrs. Nellist was an only child of the late Robert and Gladys (Hartway) Maxon. She graduated from Medina High School in the class of 1948 and, on May 15, 1954, she married Richard H. Nellist. In her early years, Mrs. Nellist worked for the Bignall Foundry in Medina as a secretary, and then she worked for many years as church secretary at Medina United Methodist Church. She was also a member of County Line United Methodist Church in Lyndonville. Mrs. Nellist was extensively involved with the Medina Historical Society and served at one time as the Village of Medina Historian. Together with her husband, Richard, she performed extensive research in cemeteries around Orleans County. The cemetery listings they compiled are an invaluable resource for genealogists. Mrs. Nellist was selected as an Orleans County Heritage Hero in 2017 for her contributions to local history.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her grandson, Michael Holden, on Oct. 3, 2018.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Nellist of Medina; son, Gregory M. (Lynne) Nellist of Medina; daughter, Patricia (Jon) Holden of Lockport; and two granddaughters, Amanda Holden and Krista Nellist.

Calling hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thu., Jan. 31 at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, where her memorial service will immediately follow at 3 p.m. The Rev. Merrill Bender will officiate, and burial will take place in Somerset Cemetery at a later date in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion NY 14411; or to County Line United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 202, Barker NY 14012.

Please share condolences and memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.