Obituary of Shirley A. Norquest

Shirley A. Norquest (Cowburn) of Horseheads and Rochester, NY passed away peacefully on August 4, 2018 at the age of 86. Shirley was born October 28, 1931 in Utica, NY the daughter of George and Martha Cowburn. She is also predeceased by her husband Thomas, her brother George, his wife Jane, and her daughters-in-law Shirley and Sheryl. She is survived by her children Kelly (Monty), Cheryl (Dave), Thomas, and Lawrence; grandchildren Jenessa, Timothye (Nancy), Tracy (David), David (Kim), and Ashley; multiple great grandchildren; nephews Rusty (Heather & children) and Matthew (Rebecca & children); and special friends, Robert and Liz, Thomas (Sarah & children), Don, Tod & Kate, and Kathi. Shirley retired after over 40 years as a NYS realtor, broker, and appraiser, working in her own business, Norquest Real Estate. She is also well remembered in the Elmira/Corning area as a teacher of real estate sales, brokerage, and appraisal, and was instrumental in many real estate agents obtaining their real estate and brokerage licenses. Shirley was a long-time member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Horseheads, NY. She recently relocated to Rochester NY and was an active member of the Episcopal Senior Community, serving on the advisory board and volunteering at the chapel, and as a mentor to Rochester City School District students. She was a life member of the Cortland City Chapter #591 Order of Eastern Star. She was a member of the Elmira/Corning Board of Realtors, served as president of the NYS Board of Realtors in 1998, and remained a member in good standing. Shirley was awarded Realtor of the Year Award in 1994. She was a member of the New York State Society of Real Estate Appraisers, and obtained Realtor Emeritus status with the National Association of Realtors. She was also the Director of the Norquest Players. Following a service at the Episcopal Senior Community Chapel in Rochester NY, Shirley will be returned to Horseheads NY and interred in the Maple Grove Cemetery. The family asks that you join them to celebrate Shirley's life at Tanino's Restaurant on Friday August 10 at 5:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Habitat for Humanity. Arrangements are entrusted to the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS, NY. Words of Condolence and Memories may be shared at www.lynchsfuneralhome.com