Shirley Haran

Shirley was the kind of woman whose presence could be felt before she was even seen. Her generosity, warmth, and ability to make everyone feel welcome earned her the affectionate and well-deserved title of the unofficial Mayor. It didn’t have to be a holiday for Shirley to be whipping up batch after batch of chocolate chip cookies, almost every week, just to share with friends, neighbors, and family. Riverside was not just her town, it was her life.

A true social butterfly, Shirley had a gift for making friends wherever she went and was always thinking of others. That kindness came back to her tenfold, shown in the more than 100 birthday and holiday cards she proudly received each year. She was actively involved in her community, belonging to the Historical Society, the American Legion, and the Election Committee.

In her younger years, Shirley was a devoted member of the Riverside Methodist Church until its closing, and later attended Masonville Rancocas United Methodist Church. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter weren’t complete without her bold and joyful fashion statements: earrings, bracelets, necklaces, all perfectly themed and sparkling from a mile away. Sharp as a tack, Shirley taught herself how to play the organ. Shirley enjoyed crafting at Burlington County Library. At home, she could often be found crocheting or enjoyed watching 76ers and Dancing with the Stars. She also loved a good shopping trip, frequenting the Dollar Store, Columbus Market, and Berlin Mart. If she saw a yard sale, she could not resist.

Summertime called her to the shore. Shirley cherished camping trips, her family’s shore house in Pleasantville, days spent walking the boardwalk, crabbing along the water, and indulging in her favorite seafood dinners. Along with her legendary chocolate chip cookies, she was also famous for her rice pudding and cheesecakes. 

 Shirley is survived by her children: Narcie Haran, Kevin (Penny) Haran, and Colleen (Darren) Comegys; grandchildren: Summer (Tyler), Savannah (Will), Kelly (Shawn), Patrick (Julie), and Megan (Dave); great-grandchildren: Liam, Ava, Faye, Gwen, and Quinn; her sister: Barbara (Gary) Haney; nieces: Shirley Ann and Barbara Ann; nephew: Shawn. She was predeceased by her parents: Alvadore and Elizabeth Shull; her son: William G. (Marcie) Haran Jr.; siblings: Alvadore Shull Jr and Florence Widmeier; her nephew Clinton Hatcher Jr.; her best friend: Rosemary Stahl. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Come celebrate 91 years on Monday from 9am-11am at Sweeney Funeral Home, 337 Bridgeboro Street, Riverside NJ 08075, where there will be an 11am service. Interment private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Masonville Rancocas United Methodist Church, 200 Masonville Rd., Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 or a Charity of your choice.