Shirley M. (Hengst) Markey, 89, of York Township, passed away at the Senior Commons at Powder Mill on Thursday, December 21 ^st . She was the beloved wife of the late Philip J. Markey. The couple were married for over 57 years until his passing in 2010.

Mrs. Markey was born in York on May 19, 1933 and was the daughter of the late Howard and Anna (Bahn) McConnell Hengst.

For most of her life Shirley was a dedicated homemaker. Following the passing of her husband, she continued to be a caregiver, when she became the adopted mother to the neighborhood's stray cats. She cared and fed for 11 cats and had names for them all. Taking care of the cats was something she loved to do and they became a second family to her. She was also a member of New Fairview Church of the Brethren.

She is survived by her daughter, Sylvia Landis and her husband Bob, of Okeechobee, FL; brother, Howard  Hengst, Jr. and his wife Elva, of York; as well as many loving neighbors and friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Beatrice Mitzel; brother, William Hengst, as well as her half siblings, Grace (McConnel) Ferree, Hilda (Hengst) Forry, Credia (Hengst) Gladfelter and Millard Hengst.

A funeral service to honor Shirley's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 4 ^th at New Fairview Church of the Brethren, 1873 New Fairview Church Rd. A viewing held at the church on Wednesday, and will begin at 10:00 AM until the start of the service. Interment will follow in New Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to New Fairview Church of the Brethren at the address listed above or to Heavenly Paws, www.heavenlypaws.wordpress.com/donate/