Shirley Reading

Shirley Reading, 91, died Friday May 22, 2020 peacefully at home.  After almost 22 years, she is reunited with her husband, Thomas G. Reading.

Shirley was born in Cleveland twenty minutes earlier than her twin sister, Carol, a fact she proudly boasted about. Shirley graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1947 and attended Denison University where she was a cheerleader while Tom played football.   She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and remained active throughout her life, becoming Theta of the Year in 1997 and receiving the Founders Pin Award in 2007.

Shirley had a lifelong involvement with Heights Christian Church where she served as an Elder, a choir member for 52 years, and the financial secretary for many years. Shirley was instrumental in establishing and running the Shaker Heights Luncheon Social for over 20 years. Later she delivered books to homebound people through the Shaker Heights library and assisted residents with their taxes at the Shaker Community Center. She volunteered at the church’s Elegant Flea for many years. She loved bowling and her consistent 150 average kept her active in leagues throughout her life.

Shirley was a lifelong Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians fan. She was an avid reader and enjoyed the daily puzzles in the paper. Shirley enjoyed boating and camping with Tom in their early years, and then traveling in their RV. The family’s beloved Snoop was a stalwart companion until the end.

She is survived by her twin sister, Carol O. Moger and  brother-in-law Frederick D. “Rick” Reading, daughter Margaret R. (Andrew) Goetz of Mentor, son, T. Garry Reading, Jr who resided with Shirley during her declining years; daughters Jane R. (James) Bemmerl of Phoenix and Ann C. Reading of Burlington, VT;  7 grandchildren Kristi (Brandon) Kawal, Scott Kolmer, Thomas (Samantha) Goetz, Katy Goetz,  Ryan (Ashley) Bemmerl, Chad (Mindy) Bemmerl, Summer Bemmerl, and 9 great-grandchildren.    She was predeceased by husband, Thomas G. Reading, siblings Dorothy Dickey, Eleanor Jasper and David Osborn.

The family wants to give many thanks for the great care Shirley received from TLC Home Care, especially at the end by Samantha and Pam.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of Heights Christian Church, 17300 Van Aken Blvd. Shaker Heights 44210., where a memorial service will be held at a later date.