Shirley A. Blasdell

Born on February 1, 1935 in North Tonawanda, NY, she was the daughter of the late Julius and Irene Heidenfeldt Donner.

Shirley graduated from Southwestern High School in 1953 and went on to lead a life as full and colorful as the purse she never left home without. Over the years, she was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Frewsburg, the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club Auxiliary, and Thule Lodge. She proudly served as Vice President and Treasurer of Blasdell Construction, Inc., and previously worked for Pella Windows.

Shirley approached life with equal parts sweetness and mischief. She loved knitting, shopping, and browsing craft fairs–always on the hunt for the next addition to her beloved collections of dolls, purses, and shoes. Anyone who knew her recognized that smile–the slightly up-to-something, can’t-quite-hide-it Shirley-smile. If you saw it, you either felt like you were part of a special inside joke…or you braced yourself, because she just might rope you into whatever fun she was cooking up.

Her greatest joy was her family. Shirley had a gift for appearing precisely when she was needed–often before anyone realized help was required–and she gave freely of her time, love, and yes, sometimes even her shoes. To her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she wasn’t just a grandmother. She was the Grandma: steady, sparkling, and absolutely one of a kind.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Allen O. Blasdell, who she met on a blind date at a local fair. They were married and enjoyed each other’s company for 72 wonderful years.

She also leaves behind a son, A. Jeffrey Blasdell of Jamestown and two daughters, Wendy (Richard) Elderkin of FL and Christine (Steven) Anderson of Jamestown; seven grandchildren: Stephanie (Philip) Bruno, Mark (Kristy) Blasdell, Eric (Monica) Elderkin, Andrew Blasdell, Amanda Anderson, Samantha (Dana) Kapuscinski, and Nicholas (Tyler) Anderson; and 13 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Logan, Liam, Lucas, Avery, Evan, Gavin, Hunter, Jeffrey, Maxwell, Rylee, Zachary, and Audrey. She is also survived by two brothers, Ronald “Mick” Donner of AZ and Paul Donner of Busti.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her brother, Oran Donner, and a daughter-in-law, Lynn Blasdell.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Peterson Funeral Home in Frewsburg, with Pastor Phillip Roushey officiating. Burial will follow in Lake View Cemetery. Friends will be received one hour prior to the service (12-1 p.m.) on Tuesday at the funeral home.

The family will always be grateful for the exceptional care provided to Shirley during her time at Memory Garden, thus, any memorials may be made in Shirley’s name to Memory Garden at 560 Fairmount Avenue WE, Jamestown, NY 14701.

Messages of remembrance and condolences may be shared at www.petersonfh.net.