Ilion - Shirley Mae Steiner Pearson, 95, passed away in the comfort of her home on February 8, 2026.

Shirley was born on July 2, 1930 in Ilion, to Frederick and Clara Santmire Steiner. She attended Ilion Schools and graduated with the class of 1948. After graduation, she worked as a telephone operator in the Ilion Telephone Office. She also worked for the Ilion Central School System as a Library Aide in the Senior High Library until her retirement in 1992. Shirley was a lifelong member of the Ilion United Methodist Church and volunteered for many years at the church's Cornerstone Store.

On August 9, 1952, Shirley married her High School sweetheart, Donald Verner Pearson, with whom she shared a loving union until his death in 2011.

Shirley is survived by her 3 children, Cynthia and her husband, David Garrett of Barneveld, Douglas Pearson and his wife, Ruth and Dale Pearson, all of Ilion; 5 grandchildren, Danielle Pearson and her companion, Dan Donarumma of Rochester, Nathan Pearson and his wife, Madison of Ilion, Kalynn Walpole and her companion, Brad Gallagher of Saratoga, Amanda and her husband, Francesco Fracioli of Utica and Jessica Garrett of Rutland, VT; 7 great-grandchildren, Blaire and Reilly Pearson, Shae Gallagher, Lila and Francesco Fraccioli, Althea Gile and Andrew Perry; 5 nieces, Judith Hendrix, Patricia Hendrix and her companion, Dennis Wright, Diane and her husband Bala Talbot, Ida and her husband, Chad Dickenson and Barbara and her husband, Kevin Davis.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Don; her brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Mary Steiner; her sister-in-law, Arlene "Sis" Pearson; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Audrey and William Hendrix, and their daughter, Suzanne Kellog.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Jennifer Colon, Diane Hughes and especially, Michelle Goodbread, whose care, compassion and nursing skills made it possible for Shirley to live out her life in the comfort of her home.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 2-4 pm in the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY. A service will follow at 4 pm at the funeral home, with Pastor Joelle Faulks, officiating. She will be laid to rest in Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion, later in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley's memory may be made to the Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 NY-5S, Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To leave condolences for Shirley's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com