Shirley O. Hocking

Shirley O. Hocking, 93, of Cheshire, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 25, 2018 at Elim Park. She was the beloved wife of the late Rowland F. Hocking for 63 years. Shirley was born in Bridgeport on April 6, 1925, daughter of the late Theresa and M. Leon Smith. She grew up in Milford and graduated from Milford High School in 1943. She went on to receive an Associate's degree from Stone College in 1945. Shirley moved to Cheshire in 1952 and became an active member of the First Congregational Church in Cheshire in 1953. She enjoyed lending her time as a volunteer at the Cheshire Public Library and the Highland School as well as being Chairperson of the Cheshire Junior Women's Club. Shirley was also an avid gardener. Shirley is survived by her son Peter Hocking of Rhode Island and daughter Joann Hocking of Connecticut. Relatives and friends are invited to Shirley's funeral service on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 1:00PM at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Visitation will take place from 12:30PM until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Memorial donations in Shirley's name may be made to The Elim Park Foundation, 140 Cook Hill Rd., Cheshire, CT 06410. To share a condolence with her family, please visit www.beecherandbennett.com.