Shirley Nordyke's Obituary
Shirley Mason Morrow Nordyke passed away peacefully at home in Honolulu, Hawaii on Saturday, November 5, 2022. She was 97 years old and lived a full life of love and wonderful blessings. She was born April 24, 1925 in Quincy, Massachusetts to John Ambrose Morrow and Hazel Stewart Mason. She was an only child. Shirley was trained as a Registered Nurse and first worked at Children's Hospital in Boston. On October 5, 1946 she married James P. Nordyke. Sadly, the marriage ended in divorce in 1990 after 43 years. The family lived in California until 1962, when they moved to Manoa Valley in Honolulu. Shirley was a dedicated wife, mother, Tutu and homemaker as well as a competent and compassionate RN at the Blood Bank at Queen's Hospital and later at Shriners Hospital. She completed her B.A. at University of Hawaii Manoa. Countless hours were spent in volunteer service over the years, including the Women's Auxiliaries of the Honolulu Symphony and Salvation Army, Honolulu Academy of Arts, and Hawaii Theatre.
Shirley was known for her love of family, generous nature, independent spirit, interest in people from all walks of life, tireless volunteerism, and as an amazing hostess and Servas host. Traveling was her passion and she was meticulous in recording her adventures and maintaining lifelong friendships through her extraordinary correspondence.
Survived by 4 children: Janet M. Ohuchi of Japan, Stephen A. Nordyke and Carol L. (Michael) Gentry of Honolulu, and Joan A.K. (Mark) Biddison of Colorado; 18 grandchildren: Mina, Kai, Kiana, Caleb, Josh, Ben, Christian, Laura, Robyn, Dan, Jenni, Elijah, Josiah, Sam, Reece, Maya, Mezzie and Micah; 20 great-grandchildren: Alana, Asher, Malia, Emi, Kalina, Keisen, Kobi, Anna, Maya, Rosa, Jacob, Ryan, Sara, Lane, Everly, Caden, John, Addy, Lyra and Judah; and beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by parents: John Morrow and Hazel Mason Morrow; the love of her life and father of her children, James "Jim" Nordyke; infant son Jon Bruce Nordyke; son-in-law Hiroshi Ohuchi; and grandchildren Rei and Sei.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 at 2:00pm at Atherton Chapel at Central Union Church, 1660 S. Beretania St. Shirley loved flowers, and bouquets or lei are very welcome at her Celebration. Alternatively, donations may be made in her honor to the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, 2950 Manoa Rd., Honolulu, HI 96822 or Manoa Heritage Center, 2856 Oahu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96822.
Inurnment will be at Diamond Head Memorial Park at a later time.
A more complete obituary will be published later.
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