Shirley A. (Holland) Hakula 86 of East Dennis died peacefully at her home in the presence of her family on Monday September 2, 2019.

Shirley was born to the late Marion (Mathieson) and Jack Holland in 1933 She and her sister Catherine were raised in Mamaroneck, NY. She was a 1954 graduate of Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA and earned a Master’s degree in Education from Teacher’s College of Columbia University graduating with honors in 1957.

Shirley was a teacher and then guidance counselor for the Toms River, NJ public school system.

Being single prior to the days of internet dating, Shirley met the love of her life on a blind date, and married E. George Hakula, from Setauket, Long Island in 1958. She and George enjoyed 57 years together, before his death in 2015. They raised their family in River Vale, NJ, where Shirley was an enthusiastic volunteer, serving at Christ Lutheran Church, as an EMT on the River Vale Ambulance Corp, and for 2 decades as a member and leader of the Townswoman of River Vale, of which she was president during the late 1970s.

After vacationing in North Eastham for 20 years, Shirley and George relocated to Dennis in 1987 where Shirley continued her active community involvement joining the Dennis Library Association, Questors Historical Society and Dennis Ladies Aide Society, serving as President for several years.

Shirley was the consummate loving mother and wife devoted to her family and friends. She was a skilled and passionate entertainer; loved hosting family, friends, and friends of friends at her homes in River Vale and in East Dennis.

Accomplished and ardent as a crafter, Shirley enjoyed creating quilts, knitting socks, hats, scarves and amazing sweaters and blankets, for family, friends and donating many of her creations to the Ladies’ Aide and other charitable organizations.

Shirley was also a fabulous baker, creating sumptuous treats and goodies for her many volunteer organizations and delivering them to neighbors and friends new and old, demonstrating her caring and affection for all. Her recipes and culinary tricks of the trade were actively sought by others and she leaves a broad legacy of gourmet practitioners who serve “Shirley’s Cheesecake”, “East Dennis Ladies Aide Secret Lobster Salad”, and “Nana’s Apple Crisp” among many other delights.

Shirley was known for her vibrant smile and welcoming warmth. She was always the first to greet a newcomer to any group or bring a welcome basket to the new neighbor. Her warmth and generosity of spirit and laughter touched all who met her. As a survivor of cancer, her determination to overcome health issues was inspirational. She will be missed by all.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Marion Williams and her husband, Hamilton of Atlanta GA; and her son, David Hakula and his wife, Juliett of Mahwah, NJ; her four grandchildren, Emily and Paige Williams and Jack and Elise Hakula; her faithful Havanese “Corky”, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday Sept. 7 in Grace Church, 16 Center St., East Dennis.

Interment will follow in Quivet Cemetery, East Dennis.
 
Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

I am sorry for your loss. Please extend mine and my families condolences. I still remember your mom making sure we were all safe, by taking all the car keys At David’s graduation party.