Poughkeepsie – Shirley Schoonmaker, 87, of Millbrook, NY passed away Thursday, October 5, 2017 at the Ferncliff Nursing Home. A lifelong resident, Shirley was born in Poughkeepsie on September 13, 1930 to the late Charles E. and Rose Marie Daniel Blydenburgh. She was a graduate of Poughkeepsie High School. In 1954, Shirley married Robert P. Schoonmaker at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and he predeceased her on March 8, 1970. She had worked in manufacturing for IBM. Shirley was a member of Holy Trinity Church as well as the VFW Post 170 Auxiliary (Past Chaplin), Club 60 Town of Poughkeepsie, the Italian Center and RSVP. She was also a volunteer at Vassar Hospital and Castle Point VA. She enjoyed crafting, knitting, cooking and Family was a big part of her life. Shirley is survived by her children; son Robert P. Schoonmaker, Jr., of Florence, SC, son Michael A. Schoonmaker (Donna), of Poughkeepsie, son Stephen C. Schoonmaker (Kim) of Tivoli and daughter Lisa A. Schoonmaker of Poughkeepsie. Also surviving are her 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, sister Norma Sweeney of Highland, brother Sal Blydenburgh (Tammy) of Grants Pass, OR and her god-daughter Kim Sweeney of Highland. In addition to her husband, Shirley was predeceased by her sister Rose Marie Jackson. There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 10:00am at Holy Trinity Church with burial to follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery.
