Shirley I. Cahill, widow of Arthur H. Cahill, Sr., died in Las Cruces, N.M. at the age of 88.
Shirley was born in Little Falls and resided in West Milford for 60 years. They had moved to New Mexico to be by their daughter Susan and her family.
Art and Shirley Cahill opened the Green Top Luncheonette in West Milford in July of 1948. The Green Top had a full soda fountain, hamburgers and hot dogs, candy counter, newspapers, and became a place for workers to get their coffee, breakfast, and lunch. The teenagers used it as a place to take their dates, or as a hang out, listening to the jukebox or playing the pinball machines. Many thought of Art and Shirley as another set of parents.
Shirley was both a Brownie and Girl Scout in Little Falls, and then became active with scouting in Northern New Jersey as an adult. She was a member and past worthy matron of the Little Falls Eastern Star Chapter #224, followed by one year as grand martha to the state of New Jersey. The family liked camping so much, they started the Minisink Mountaineers, as part of the National Campers and Hikers Association. Many families in West Milford joined and great fun was had by all, including summer trips to the National Campventions.
God being a central part of her life, Shirley was a deacon in the West Milford Presbyterian Church, and a member of the Dorcas Circle. People who knew Shirley were touched by her love of God and family, working ethic, sense of humor, ability to laugh, organize events and make it fun. When life gave her lemons, she made lemonade.
Surviving family include son Judson and partner Linda Metzkow of Florida, daughter Susan and partner Ray Dickert of New Mexico, seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, sister Lynn Zoller of Pennsylvania, and Rodney Davidson of Massachusetts. Shirley's husband of 63 years, Art, and son Art (Butch) Jr. and parents predeceased her.
A celebration of Shirley's life will be held at the West Milford Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 26 at 2 p.m. with refreshments following in the Fellowship Hall, with shared memories.