Do not stare at my urn and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am gentle Autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in cirling flight. I am the soft star that shines at night.

Shirley M. Sparling, 87, of Hamden passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at home, following a long illness.

Shirley was born on February 25, 1924 in Walton, the daughter of the late John W. and Maude Mayford (Covell) Perry.

Shirley attended a one room school house in Bovina Center until the eighth grade, then she went to an all girls school in Cooperstown, where she graduated High School. Following high school she attended Albany Business College, where she received her degree in Business.

Shirley was a supervisor for Borden's in Bainbridge for many years. In her spare time she enjoyed driving on the back roads, knitting, crocheting, and playing cards with her pinochle group.

Shirley is survived by her loving family, her children, Gail (Barry) Friendlich of NJ ; Wayne Sparling of Hamden; Rick (Pam) Sparling of Cobleskill, NY; her grandchildren, Allison Lipsky, Carly Friendlich, Stacy Sparling, Wes Sparling, Jenny Sparling, TJ Sparling, Chrissy Sparling, Kevin Sparling, her great grandson, Cameron Wiley, her best friend, Alice Merrill Blackman, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Shirley was predeceased by her grandson, Michael Sparling, her brothers, Arnold, Walter, Bernard, and Lynn Perry, and her sisters, Jean Little and Laverne Ford.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are with Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.

Memorial Contributions in Shirley's name may be made to Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, New York 13820.