Shirley Ann Matzek, of Hiram, passed away on September 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on July 6, 1935, and on June 6, 1954, she married the love of her life, Jack E. Matzek. Together, they shared many wonderful adventures, traveling the country in their motor home and spending winters in Florida.
Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her five children: Sharie Koster, Mickey Fair, Daniel (Pam) Matzek, Mark (Judy) Matzek, and Colleen (Robert) Barnes. She was the proud grandmother of 22 grandchildren and was blessed with many great-grandchildren.
Shirley is preceded in death by her brothers, Kenneth Bennett, Charles Bennett, and Harold Bennett.
A true homemaker, Shirley was known for her kindness and generosity. She loved crafting, cooking, baking, and preserving fresh fruits and vegetables from her garden. She especially treasured time spent with her grandchildren. Later in life, she pursued her passion for healing, graduating from massage therapy school after the age of 50 and devoting herself wholeheartedly to her practice.
Shirley’s warmth and love touched everyone she met. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A visitation was held on Monday, September 29, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231. A funeral service followed at the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. Shirley was then taken to the Riverside Cemetery in Hiram Rapids, OH, where she will be lovingly laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, https://www.hospicewr.org/Give, in her memory. For online condolences go to www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
