Shirley M. Cartwright, of Liverpool, New York, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on August 14, 2026. She was born on May 24, 1936, making her 90 years old.

Shirley grew up in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from high school. After living in several areas of Pennsylvania, she moved to Liverpool, New York, in the early 1970’s, where she and her husband, Richard Cartwright, made their home and raised their family.

For the majority of her adult life, Shirley was a devoted homemaker and mother. She also provided home daycare for neighborhood children, opening her home and her heart to many families in the Bayberry community. Later in life, she joined P&C Foods, where she worked in customer service in the produce and deli departments. Shirley was also a member of the United Church of Christ in Bayberry, New York, where her faith was an important part of her life.

Shirley's greatest passion was, without question, her family. She was the kind of mother who always put her children first—whether that meant being a taxi mom, making sure there was a hot meal on the table, or helping her children as they began raising families of their own. She gave them her all, and she was immensely proud of the people they became.

Her warmth and compassion extended far beyond her immediate family. Shirley gave endlessly to the people around her, always ready to help whenever someone in the Bayberry community needed something. Her home was a place where people felt welcome, cared for, and loved. She gave more to others than she ever asked from them.

Among Shirley's favorite simple pleasures was meeting her closest friend for coffee and a donut at Mr. Donut in Bayberry. She also cherished the Hawaiian room she and Richard created after vacationing in Hawaii—a little piece of paradise that brought the spirit of that trip home with them. Family members are certain that whoever eventually purchased their home on Apple Tree Lane may still occasionally find a little Hawaiian sand tucked away somewhere.

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard C. Cartwright; her son, Dr. Richard L. Cartwright of Johnstown, Pennsylvania; her parents, Jess Hyatt and Pauline Hyatt (Butler); and her sister, Evelyn Bargar.

She is survived by her children, Douglas P. Cartwright of Baldwinsville, New York; Sherri L. Bruening and her husband, James Bruening, of Liverpool, New York; and Ryan C. Cartwright of Liverpool, New York; her daughters-in-law, Mary Beth Cartwright of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Katie Cartwright of Hudson, Ohio, and Christina Cartwright of Liverpool, New York; her brother, Ronnie Hyatt of Connellsville, Pennsylvania; her sister, Connie Smith of Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends.

Calling hours will be held at Maurer Funeral Home at Moyers Corners on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with a service to immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kids Like Connor in loving memory of Shirley.

Shirley's life was defined by the love she gave to others. She asked for little, gave much, and left an immeasurable amount of love behind. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by those who were lucky enough to call her Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, sister, friend, and family.

Please sign the Maurer Funeral Home on-line guest book for Shirley to express your condolences to her family.