Shirley Ann Schindler

Shirley built her life around the things she valued most: family, faith, caring for others, and bringing the people she loved together.

Born June 30, 1934, in Rochester, New York, Shirley lived a full 92 years before passing away in Vero Beach, Florida, on September 16, 2026.

Shirley married Kenneth R. Schindler on February 10th, 1951. They moved their family to Vero Beach in 1969, and spent many years working with each other in their horticultural nurseries in Vero Beach at Riverside Garden Centers. Shirley and Ken shared 40 years of marriage, until his passing in 1991.

Family was at the center of Shirley’s life. Holidays, birthdays, and other occasions were opportunities to gather, celebrate, and make sure the people she loved stayed connected. In Shirley fashion, there was always a reason to bring the family together.

Her faith was equally important to her. Shirley loved attending worship services, sharing her faith, and making treasured visits to Jerusalem, including trips she was able to experience with her mother, sister, grandchildren, and other family members. Her relationship with God was deeply personal and remained a significant part of her life.

Shirley had a generous heart for people outside her own family.  She was a part of Women’s Aglow Christian Organization, Visiting Nurse Association (chosen Volunteer of the Year), her community at Harbour Island Club Villas, Dogs for Life,  Come Bless Israel Travel Group (co-owner), and several ladies Bible Study weekly gatherings. For many years, she also enjoyed taking her therapy dog, Sarah, to nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, bringing companionship and a little joy to those she visited.

Shirley took pride in taking care of herself, and in the routines that mattered to her. Those who knew her always expected Shirley would be there for her Friday hair appointments, facials, manicures, and pedicures she enjoyed. She courageously faced breast cancer and bladder cancer during her lifetime, and continued to live with the strength and confidence that were so much a part of who she was. In her later years, Shirley received wonderful around-the-clock care in her home.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; her parents, Robert and Marian Downey; her sister, Elaine Daley; and several aunts and uncles.

Shirley is survived by her aunt, Geraldine Walch; her sisters, Diane Doyle and Deborah Palmer; her son, Kurt Schindler (Sandy); and her daughters, Ann Hollenbeck (Larry) and Carol Hughes (Garry). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Shaunna Lachnitt (Carl), Kimberly Burris (Robb), Kyle Schindler, Jennell Harkins (Gerry), Erika Runkle (Eric), Heidi Hughes, Mark Schindler, and Keren Calvin (Zack); and her great-grandchildren, Calvin Lachnitt, Eden and Evelyn Runkle, and Khloe and Kylie Calvin. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Sally Schindler, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Shirley faithfully remembered all of their birthdays each and every year.

Shirley’s was not a life measured simply by years. It was measured in family gathered together, traditions carried forward, people cared for, journeys taken, faith practiced, and the many small ways she made sure the people she loved knew they belonged.

A gathering will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, with a funeral service beginning promptly at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Cystinosis Research Network, PO Box 702, Lake Forest, IL 60045 or Christian Friends of Israel – CFI−USA, P.O. Box 470258, Charlotte, NC 28247-0258, in Shirley’s honor.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.