Shirley (Bateman) Smith

Shirley Bateman Smith, 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28th, at the Chester County Hospital, after a short illness. In her final days, she was surrounded by her loving son and his family.

Shirley was born in 1931 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, to her treasured parents, Esther (McKay) and Edward Bateman. She had fond memories of growing up in the Tacony/Mayfair section of Philadelphia, with her closest confidant, her younger sister, Kathryne ‘Kay’ (Gallagher), and her cousin Bill McKay.  Shirley attended Disston Elementary School, Wilson Jr. High School, and graduated from Frankford High School in 1948. Upon graduation, Shirley, Kay, and a group of girlfriends embarked on a trip to Wildwood, NJ, which would be the first of many girls' trips. Throughout the 1940s and 50s, she traveled by automobile, every summer, with girlfriends to all of the states on the East Coast, including a trip to Quebec, Canada.  In particular, Shirley loved to recount two special girls’ trips.  In 1954, as she stated, five excited young women took a trip to California by way of Route 66. They traveled up the West Coast to San Francisco and then drove home via the Northern route, visiting many states and national parks along the way.  Another of Shirley’s most memorable trips was a weekend trip to Havana, Cuba, in 1958, before Fidel Castro took control. 

In 1963, Shirley found her dream job and the love of her life, her future husband, Robert ‘Bob’ Smith, at Soabar.  Bob and Shirley married in 1965, and along with Bob’s two sons from a previous marriage, Bob Jr. and Rick, they had two sons of their own, Thom and Greg.  They eventually settled in the Unionville area.  Shirley became a widow in 1979 after Bob passed away from cancer.  Although her life was turned upside down, her mother moved in with her after her father’s passing and she went back to work. 

Shirley worked at West Chester University as the Secretary of the Criminal Justice Department.  While working at WCU, Shirley began traveling again.  Notably, she traveled to the Canadian Rockies, Italy, and numerous islands in the Caribbean. Shirley accompanied a group from the university, including her son Greg, to the Soviet Union in 1988.  She worked at WCU for 24 years, retiring at age 77.  Shirley loved her time at WCU and stayed in close contact with friends and colleagues. Throughout her life, Shirley was an adventurer, traveling to Thailand a few times to see her son, Thom, and grandchildren.  

Shirley had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh, see theatrical performances, was an avid reader, part of a lottery club hoping to strike it rich, and was a piano player.  Shirley bought her baby grand piano in the 1950s and played throughout her life. She never forgot to send a birthday card to pretty much everyone within her inner circle.  A personal message and stickers often accompanied these cards. 

Shirley is survived by four sons and three daughters-in-law, Thom (Kattiya) and Greg (Holly); stepsons Bob and Rick (Janice); granddaughters Aeowyn, Brynna, Khing, and grandson Kai; step-granddaughter Amber; and cherished sister Kay Gallagher and her family, Connie, Ken, Carolyn (Rich) Hall, and grandniece Sydney Hall.  She will be missed by many cousins and close friends, as well.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband Bob, son Gary, adored parents, step-grandson Randy, and brother-in-law Ken.

Greg, Holly, Aeowyn, and Brynna wish to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff in the Progressive Care Unit at Chester County Hospital for their exceptional kindness, compassion, and support during Shirley’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Shirley’s memory to The League of Women Voters at https://www.lwv.org/about-us/ways-give. 

In accordance with Shirley’s wishes, a private gathering will be held to honor her life, followed by a graveside service.

We invite you to leave a message for the family or share memories and stories at https://www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com/listings. Arrangements by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square, PA.