Shirley Suddendorf

Shirley (née Paolino) Suddendorf, age 90, died peacefully in her sleep on July 14 in the presence of her loving husband and family. Born in Cincinnati on May 24,1930, to Florence and Anthony Paolino, sister of Marjorie Paolino of Cincinnati, Shirley graduated from Withrow High School and the University of Cincinnati She met her future husband, Richard Suddendorf, in the University music program and they were married on December 27, 1952. They honeymooned in New York City and enjoyed Broadway musicals, which became an important part of their life together. Shirley was the mother of three children, Jeffrey (Jane) Suddendorf of Port Washington, Wisconsin, Pamela (Gary) DeCoker of Dublin, Ohio, and Michael Suddendorf of Worthington, Ohio. She had five grandchildren, Nick (Melissa) Suddendorf, Sarah (Drew) Richter, Atticus, Stella, and Jo Suddendorf, and four great grandchildren, Leena and Cody Suddendorf, and Gracie and Lydia Richter. Children played a special part in Shirley’s life. In addition to her own family, she was a first-grade teacher to many children in both Columbus and Kalamazoo, Michigan. After retirement, she shared her love of books by forming a book exchange at her school. The Arcadia Elementary School in Kalamazoo named their library in her honor. Wherever Shirley and Richard lived, they created a welcoming home. Sitting outside among their flower gardens or inside next to a warm fire, friends and family gathered to share stories, laughter, music, and their love for each other. One of the lovely gifts Shirley gave to her family were her camping adventures to National Parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Acadia, and more. Shirley and Richard raised their family as members of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Worthington and rejoined the church after returning to Central Ohio from Michigan. Over the years, Shirley and Richard were active in Church programs, and Shirley shared her love for St. John’s through her volunteer work in the Church office. An internment service for immediate family will take place in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Church Memorial Fund at www.stjohnsworthington.org or mailed to St. John's Episcopal Church, 700 High Street, Worthington Ohio 43085 in Shirley’s memory would be a welcome way to join in the celebration of her life.

Shirley Suddendorf

May 24, 1930 - July 14, 2020