Shirley Heilman Obituary

Shirley Heilman

Shirley Jean Benedict Heilman, 88, of North Baltimore, went home to heaven Friday, January 23, 2026. She was born February 1, 1937, to Charlie and Emma (Brumbaugh) Benedict as one of eight very close siblings.

She married Jim Heilman, and together they raised Joe and Pam in their hometown of North Baltimore. Shirley enjoyed working at Smith-Crates Funeral Home, assisting in many of the day-to-day tasks. She loved to iron clothes (yes, really), a skill she perfected at her job at a dry-cleaning company.

As a child, Shirley enjoyed playing with her siblings and having the neighbors in for her father's homemade doughnuts. Later on, she enjoyed spending time with her friends, reigning as homecoming queen, raising her children, and traveling with Jim.

Shirley is survived by her son Joe, many very good friendships, some beginning as a young girl, and her sunshine of the last four years, Gracie.

As activities and memory became more limited, Shirley moved in with Joe, Amy and the three dogs she enjoyed feeding peanut butter and jelly toast. This also led to a special bond as "Grandma Shirley" to Gracie from the day she was born.

Shirley loved chickens, something she passed down to Gracie and decorated throughout the home.

Shirley enjoyed sitting on the patio with Joe in the evenings, seeing all of the flowers around the yard, her weekly hair appointments and doing puzzles. Coffee with Wanda and the girls was always a great time, as were popcorn and movie nights with Joe and Amy.

In the last few months, Shirley was unable to walk and resided at Windsor Lane in Gibsonburg, where she was cared for like family by the staff and enjoyed mothering some of the other residents. She was known there as sweet but spicy Shirley, as evidenced by the time she pulled the fire alarm because she was ready to leave.

Shirley missed her husband, daughter, parents, and siblings every day. This year, she spent her birthday catching up with all of them in heaven. She had always liked to walk outside on sunny days, and now there is nothing but sunny days and love for her.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Bridge Home Health & Hospice, Windsor Lane, and Smith-Crates Funeral Home for all of the care and love shown to Shirley.

Shirley requested no services and will be buried privately next to Jim on a bright, sunny day in the spring at Old Maplewood Cemetery in North Baltimore.

Arrangements are being handled by SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, North Baltimore.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithcrates.com.