Shirlee Onda

Shirlee Jane Onda, 85, of Olyphant, died Friday morning at home surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband, John J. Onda. They were married on Feb. 3, 1956. 

Born in Peckville, her parents were the late Stanley and Mabel Williams Gensiak. She was a graduate of Olyphant High School, class of 1955, where she was head majorette for the Olyphant Greyhounds. She worked for RCA-Thompson for 33 years, retiring in the early 2000s. She was there for the opening and closing of the plant.

Shirlee was very dedicated to her husband and family and loved gathering them together in their home. She especially enjoyed cooking ethnic recipes for them every Sunday. She passed down these recipes and traditions to her grandchildren and taught them to bake and cook for the holidays. She enjoyed decorating her house and took great pride in turning her home into a magical wonderland for every holiday, especially Christmas. She enjoyed special moments with her daughters in their yard and watching old movies on TCM. A fashionista, always looking “vogue,” she also enjoyed sewing, shopping and casino trips. Friends and family knew that her passion was lottery tickets. When visiting, they would have one in hand to give to Shirlee.

She is also survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Kim and George Atkinson, and Leigh and James Baldan, all of Olyphant; one grandson and wife, Lee Jon and Lisa DeAngelis; two granddaughters, Jaedan and Gia Baldan; three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Giuliana and Jacob; and nieces and nephews, including, Stanley and Jeffrey Gensiak, and Kelly Gensiak Jones. 

She was preceded in death by an infant son, Joseph J. Onda; a brother, Stanley Gensiak; and her beloved pet, Gigi. 

The funeral service will take place on Monday at 11 a.m. at the Hudak-O’Shea Funeral Home, 115 Garfield Ave., Olyphant. Burial will follow in Holy Ghost Cemetery, Blakely. Friends may call Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. or on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, please buy yourself a lottery ticket in Shirlee’s memory. 

For directions or online condolences, visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.