Shirl Renkenberger DeLawder of Frederick, MD passed away from this life at her home on July 6, 2014. Shirl was taken from her family and friends at the age of 54 by an aggressive cancer that decimated her body but not her enduring spirit.
She leaves behind her loving husband of twenty years, Sean DeLawder; her beloved daughter, Alexis Hundertmark; her beloved son, Jordan DeLawder; and her dear mother, Ruth Renkenberger of Easton, MD. Shirl is also survived by her father and mother-in-law, Douglas and Muriel DeLawder; her brother-in-law and his wife, Darryl and Andrea DeLawder; and her sister-in-law, Lisa DeLawder. Shirl was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Renkenberger.
Shirl received a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington College and a Master’s Degree from McDaniel College. She spent her entire professional career working and advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She spent the last twenty-five years working for Athelas Institute, Inc. in Columbia, MD where she was a strong role model and advocate for both the staff and the individuals that they served.
Shirl treasured her time and she found enjoyment in a life lived to its fullest. She deeply loved her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them talking, laughing and entertaining. She loved nature and hiking, riding motorcycles with her husband, gardening, reading and decorating her home.
On Friday, July 18th, the family will receive friends at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, in Frederick from 1-2 pm, followed by a memorial service at 2 pm. The Rev. Toni Fish will officiate.
There will be a bereavement reception at the Woodsboro Fire Hall immediately following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to either of the two scholarship funds that have been set up in honor of Shirl. Athelas Institute, Inc. 9104 Red Branch Road, Columbia, MD 21045; note in memo line, Shirl DeLawder Scholarship Fund for Staff Education or Craigville Retreat Center, 39 Prospect Avenue, Centerville, MA 02632; note in memo line, Shirl DeLawder Colloquy Scholarship for Lay Persons.
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