Shirley Ann Mower

Mrs. Shirley Ann Mower, 83, of Jordanville, NY, passed away on July 5, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica.

Shirley was born on April 4, 1940, in Herkimer, daughter to the late Stephen and Amelia "Jessie" Donyluk Dolhun. Raised on her family's dairy farm in Jordanville, Shirley knew the definition of hard work.

Shirley was a graduate of Owen D. Young Central School.

On September 13,1958 Shirley and Edward Mower were united in marriage at the Richfield Springs Presbyterian Church, together they have shared a blessed union of 64 years.

Alongside her husband, Ed, they farmed all their lives, proudly owning and operating Mower Farms, in Jordanville just down the road from where Shirley grew up. Together, they bred and developed a sound herd of registered dairy cattle. In the late 70's and early 80's they exported some of their high-quality genetic dairy cattle to several foreign countries, including Israel and Egypt. They also enjoyed breeding racehorses. It's where they raised their five children: Susan, Mitzi, JoAnn, Michael and Macahon. Along with hosting foreign exchange students from Brazil and Mexico.

Besides working on the farm with day-to-day chores and bookkeeping, Shirley was the Housekeeping Manager at Bayside Inn & Marina in Cooperstown for 22 years.

Shirley had a passion for agriculture and was a representative in Albany for the association WIFE – Women Involved in Farm Economics, representing Women Farmers of Herkimer County. She was the recipient of the 23rd Appreciation Award from the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce and the 2004 Silver Cow Award recipient from the Herkimer County Dairy Promotion Committee.

Shirley was a dedicated mother, but a strong pillar in the community. She loved to cook and was known for her famous large Farm to Table style meals, which her family and friends truly enjoyed. Her door was always open and there was always an open seat at the kitchen table for all who came to visit. She enjoyed watching old country Western movies, especially ones that starred John Wayne.

She enjoyed spending time with her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved animals, decorating her home with flowers; loving the smell of carnations, and as mentioned before cooking large meals. She was a friend to many and will never be forgotten. She'll always be remembered for her strong work ethic,loyalty, dedication, and honesty.

Surviving family members of hers are husband Edward, three daughters: Susan Mower and companion Dennis Treen of West Winfield, Mitzi Hula and husband John of Jordanville, and JoAnn Mower of Mohawk. Two sons: Michael Mower and wife Stephanie of Jordanville and Macahon Mower of Jordanville. Brother: Richard Dolhun and his wife June of Jordanville, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides her parents Shirley was predeceased by her two brothers, David and Stephen Dolhun, Jr.

A Celebration of Life will take place for Shirley on Friday July 14th starting at 12pm, Eulogy at 12:30pm read by longtime friend, Phyllis Becker with a "Farm to Table" style meal to follow at the Mower Farm Residence, 3668 Jordanville Road Jordanville, NY 13361. All are welcome!

Donations in memory of Shirley can be made to the Van Hornesville Fire Department S2, 591 Wagner Hill Road Fort Plain, NY 13339.