Shirley (Bear) Hackney

Shirley B. Hackney, 93 of Bedford, died on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Donahoe Manor Nursing Home in Bedford. She was born on March 17, 1930 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late S. Lee and Margaret (Allen) Bear. On August 25, 1956 in Bedford, she married Reid Hackney and he preceded her in death on September 3, 1975. She is survived by a son Reid A. Hackney and wife Sherry of San Antonio, TX; a daughter Elizabeth Chaderwick and husband Rick of Windber.  Four grandchildren:  Sarah Hackney of Irwin, Beth Boroumand and husband Amir of Pittsburgh; Leah Thompson and husband Kris of Johnstown; and Heather Chaderwick and fiancée Alex Stahl of Davidsville; and great-grandchildren.

Shirley graduated from Carnegie High School and earned a degree from Lake Erie College in Painesville, OH – a rarity for women in the 1950s. Shirley dedicated her life to helping others and treating every person she encountered with deep love and respect.  She worked as a caseworker for the Blind Association for 20 years, and during that time, she traveled throughout the area to provide critical services and companionship to all of her clients, regardless of their economic class, race, or religion.  After retiring from the Blind Association, she continued her life of service by volunteering her time with hospice and as a lay chaplain at the hospital – bringing light and joy to everyone she met. She joined the Bedford Presbyterian Church in 1956 and was in the choir and served as a deacon and elder. She was also a dedicated member of the Toastmasters and a lifelong animal lover.  Shirley leaves behind a long legacy of compassion, understanding, and a judgement-free love of all people; such pure-heartedness that is not often seen in this world.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bedford Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jack Miller officiating.  Burial at Bedford Cemetery. Friends will be received on Tuesday 1 hour prior to the service at the church. A meal will be served at the church following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s name to The Seeing Eye, P.O. Box 375, Morristown, NJ 07963-0375. Arrangements by Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford.   Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.