Shirley Ondrick

Devoted To Family

Shirley (Nelson) Ondrick, 79, of Ridgefield, died July 9, at her Ridgefield home, with family by her side. She was born June 19, 1932, daughter of Dorothy (Nessel) and George Nelson.

Two children, including daughter Beth, and her husband Scott Gattey, of Newtown; three grandchildren; a sister-in-law; three nieces and a nephew survive Mrs Ondrick. Her husband, William, predeceased her in 2002.

In 1955, she married William F. Ondrick in Vaihingen, Germany while he was assigned to the 7th Army stationed in Germany. They moved to Elmhurst, Queens, where they started their life together. The Ondricks’ attended countless New York Yankee and New York Giant football games. In 1963, they moved to Hoboken, N.J., and in 1965, bought their home in Ridgefield, where they would spend the weekends and summers before they both retired in 1998. The Ondricks enjoyed traveling.

Mrs Ondrick’s professional life included working for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey as an assistant to the manager of Newark Airport for ten years; for the financial firm Daeske Inc of Westport; and Keswick Management of New York City.

Mrs Ondrick’s passion for her grandchildren was inspiring. Whether it was a soccer game or lacrosse practice, she was always there to cheer on her three grandchildren. She was there for literally thousands of games and practices, and attended all of their school concerts.

Mrs Ondrick was involved with Founders Hall in Ridgefield, where she took academic courses, played bridge, and made many new friends.

Calling hours were scheduled in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, Thursday, July 14, from 5 to 8 pm. Graveside funeral services and burial will take place Friday, July 15, at 10 am, in St Mary Cemetery, New Britain.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory and honor may be made to Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western Connecticut, 405 Main Street, Danbury CT 06810.

The Newtown Bee        July 15, 2011