Shirley Anita Corson

OLEAN — Shirley Anita Corson entered the realm of eternity on Sunday (Sept. 6, 2026) at The Pines of Olean.

She was born 93 years ago, on Aug. 27, 1933, in Allegany. She was the middle daughter of Robert A. and Rose A. Warters Hatzell.

She grew up in the Nine Mile area of Allegany, and graduated in 1951 from Allegany High School.

Shirley worked for more than 20 years for New York Telephone Company, retiring in 1978 at age 45.

On Aug. 16, 1958, at St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany, Shirley married Richard F. “Dick” Corson. Their marriage was almost 65 years when Dick predeceased Shirley on June 10, 2023. While saddened to find that they were unable to have children, Dick and Shirley had a number of nieces and nephews with whom they were close. They made a great impact upon the lives of many extended family members.

Shirley will be fondly recalled for the many elaborate picnics, meals and wine parties on the porch she hosted for extended family and friends.

She loved travel. She and Dick wintered in Florida for more than 30 years. Shirley loved the sun. She also loved the many Pekingese dogs that she and Dick raised for decades. The last one, “Billy Bob” survives.

Also surviving are her closest caregivers, Anthony “Tony” (Cheryl) Wenke and family, with whom Shirley wishes to extend her tenderest gratitude. Other survivors include many nieces, nephews and cousins. Her cousin, Dwayne Karl, was a frequent visitor and support to Shirley.

Besides her husband, Dick, Shirley was predeceased by her parents; her younger sister, Carol Hatzell in 1991; and her older sister, Marion Hatzell in 1996.

Shirley’s life was celebrated by a visitation Wednesday (Sept. 9, 2026) at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany, celebrated by grandnephew of Shirley and Dick, Fr. Emmanuel Wenke, OFM, Conv. Burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery followed the funeral mass, with committal service at the gravesite.

Memorials may be made to any pro-life group or animal rescue agency of the donor’s choice.