Shirley May (née Frye) Huepfel, age 78, on Saturday, August 8, 2026. She was born on July 24, 1948, in Swedesboro, New Jersey, and lived her life as a proud, lifelong resident of Ferrell in Elk Township. Shirley was the beloved wife of the late Werner Peter Huepfel. The two met at the Deptford Diner and were married on June 30, 1968, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted 58 years. Together they built a loving home centered on family, hard work, and the simple joys of life shared with those they loved most.
She was the cherished mother of Howard Huepfel and his wife Sherry of Newfield, New Jersey, and Pamela Gordy and her husband Michael of Wenonah, New Jersey. Treasured grandmother to Emily Weber and her husband Brandon, Holly Borokhovsky and her husband Ben, and Luke Gordy, and she was a proud great-grandmother to Beckham Weber. Her family was the heart of her world, and she found great joy in every gathering, milestone, and memory they shared together.
Shirley was the daughter of the late Howard Paul and Isabella Jane (née Lerch) Frye. She graduated from Delsea Regional High School in 1966 and was especially proud of being part of the first class to complete grades seven through twelve at Delsea Regional Middle and High School.
She began working while still in high school at the Deptford Diner, where she spent several years before focusing on her family as a homemaker. In 1978, she began her long career at Aura Elementary School as a cafeteria worker. Through dedication and steady commitment, she advanced to the position of cafeteria manager and served there until her retirement in 2005. Shirley was respected for her strong work ethic, her warm presence, and the care she showed to the children and staff she served each day.
Shirley enjoyed the many pleasures of life that made her home and family so special. Traveling was one of her greatest joys, and she and Werner enjoyed traveling with their grandchildren throughout the country. Their adventures took them to many memorable destinations, including Branson, Missouri, and South Dakota, where they visited Mount Rushmore, as well as on countless beach vacations. Of all the places they visited, Ocean City, Maryland, held a special place in Shirley’s heart and was a family favorite. She especially enjoyed a “girls’ trip” to Florida with friends from the cafeteria to visit a former colleague.
Shirley was known for her remarkable collection of Cherished Teddies, the hand-painted stone resin teddy bear figurines that filled her home and were often arranged according to the season or holiday. She loved country music, especially Alan Jackson, the Statler Brothers, and Clint Black, whose photo hung over her bed. She also enjoyed tending to her flower gardens and took great pride in the beauty she created around her home.
Above all, Shirley loved “grandmothering.” She was a devoted grandmother who never missed an opportunity to care for, spoil, and encourage her grandchildren. She was famous for asking, “Do you need any money? Just let me know.” Shirley and Werner delighted in taking the grandchildren on countless trips to the beach and on many vacations where their parents were not welcome, giving them treasured time together that will always be remembered.
She was also a devoted racing fan. Shirley loved sportsman modified racing at Bridgeport and in Delaware, and she followed the sport with enthusiasm and pride. Her father once owned car number 9A, her son Howard was her favorite driver, and Werner served as a crewman. She was also a fan of Dale Earnhardt, for whom she had set up a small memorial, and Michael Waltrip much to the chagrin of her family. Shirley will be remembered for her loving heart, her loyalty to family, her strong spirit, and the many ways she made ordinary moments feel special.
Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312. Service will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Ferrell United Methodist Cemetery, Elk Township, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Shirley to the Alzheimer Association at P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090 or online at https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNQZNCYXKB. Sign the guestbook and send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net. Sorrowfully submitted by the family.
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