Shirley English Strenk

Shirley English Strenk, 86, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side at Glendale Home in Scotia on Wednesday, April 5.

Shirley was born on March 13, 1931 in Broadalbin, NY to George and Eva English. After graduating from Broadalbin High School, she attended Oneonta State Teacher's College where she met Henry Francis Strenk. They married in 1951 and moved to Scotia in 1959.

Shirley loved to cook and bake for family and friends. With her genuine warmth and hospitality, there was always welcome and room at her table for unexpected guests. Her creativity and art were apparent in her beautifully decorated and delicious cakes that graced many a neighborhood table for special occasions. Her love of cooking led her to attend culinary classes at Schenectady County Community College. Following which, Shirley catered luncheons, parties and special events with husband Hank and daughter Marcia. She also taught classes in cake decoration.

Shirley's abounding faith in God led her to be active in Faith Baptist Church in Rexford, NY, where she taught Sunday School and Bible School, helped host Lenten Luncheons and worked at the food pantry there. She shared her love of music by playing the piano during services at the Baptist Retirement Home in Glenville.

Shirley was a devoted wife and mother, and always ready to help family and friends. In 1990, she lost her husband to cancer. And her youngest son, Michael (Michelle), passed away unexpectedly in 2007 from an aortic aneurysm. She is survived by brother, John English (Elfreide); daughter, Marcia Powers (Mark); sons, Thomas (Beth) and William (Sue); as well as six grandchildren, Sarah (Scott), Ryan (Laura), Melanie (Byron), Sherry (George), Matthew and Tyler; and great-grandchildren, Sean, Emerson, Shelby and Chase.

In accordance with the family's request, her body has been donated to the Anatomical Gift Program at the Albany Medical College. Because of Shirley's love of the Lord and cooking, donations may be made for the Mission House kitchen remodel for Faith Baptist Church and the Alzheimer's Association.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Baptist Church in Rexford on June 10, 2017 at 3 p.m.

Reception at Stockade Inn directly following the service. All are welcome.

 Service Information