Shirley Jean Hiser

10/02/2007

Shirley Jean Hiser, 85, of 54 Chestnut St., formerly of 75 Emerald Lane, Williamstown, died yesterday at home. Born in Mechanicville, N.Y., on Aug. 26, 1922, daughter of Ralph and Mabel Byrne Lansing, she graduated from Mechanicville High School in 1940 and from the former North Adams Hospital School of Nursing in 1942. She also graduated from Chesapeake and Ohio Hospital of Nursing in Clifton Forge, Va., in 1947. A registered nurse, Mrs. Hiser was employed by North Adams Regional Hospital in the maternity unit for 37 year, retiring in 1984. Earlier, she was employed by the former Blue Spruce Nursing Home, by Leonard Hospital in Troy, N.Y., and by the former Mary McClellan Hospital in Cambridge, N.Y. She was a member of Blackinton Union Church and of its Women's Guild, and of the Spruces Club and the Tenants Association, both at the Spruces in Williamstown. She was also a member of the Friendship Club in Williamstown and of the North Adams Regional Hospital Retired Nurses Association. She enjoyed playing bingo, bowling and doing crossword puzzles. Her husband, Lawrence B. Hiser, whom she married Aug. 23, 1947, died Oct. 27, 1993. She leaves a son, Richard L. Hiser of North Adams; three daughters, Susan Downey of North Adams, with whom she made her home, Beth Gradziel of Cheshire and Laurie Veatch of Temple, Texas.; a sister, Phyllis Pierce of West Lake, Ohio; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Services for Shirley Jean Hiser, who died Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007, will be conducted Saturday at 1 p.m. at Blackinton Union Church in North Adams by the Rev. Eugene Kemp, pastor. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Cemetery, Williamstown. Calling hours will be Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at AUGE-SAN SOUCIE-SIMMONS FUNERAL HOME, 46 North Church St., North Adams. Memorial donations may be made to Blackinton Union Church or to the North Adams Regional Hospital Maternity Unit through PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, which is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Hiser also leaves a daughter-in-law, Gloria; three sons-in-law, Michael Downey, Christopher Gradziel and Daniel Veatch; a brother-in-law, Clarence Pierce; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters, Ruth Marsh and Barbara McKnight.

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