Obituary of Shirley B. Huntington

Shirley Bailey Huntington of New Providence, New Jersey, formerly of Chatham, died February 16, 2026 in her hundredth year, after a short illness.  She was born at home in Narberth, PA on March 4, 1926 to Alyce (nee Addis) and Guy David Bailey.  The youngest of four, she attended the Narberth Public Schools,  was graduated from Lower Merion High School, and was a proud 1948 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.  She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was an active sister throughout her life, earning her Diamond Theta pin, for being a member for over 75 years.  At Penn, she met the love of her life, Robert Graham Huntington, Jr. who she married in June, 1950.  After graduation, Shirley was a Kindergarten teacher at the Wayne Primary School, Wayne, PA and  in Reading, PA.   

Bob and Shirley were the loving parents of five daughters, Ann Barnett of Edgartown, MA; Jean Huntington of Summit; Nancy Solomon (Greg) of Chatham; Robin Ford (Mike) of Devon, PA; and Amy Huntington of North Plainfield. Shirley was the beloved Nana to Michael (Mandy),  Andrew and Jeffrey Ford, Scott Cress,   David Huntington,  Gregory Solomon and great-grandchildren, Olive, Benjamin and Winnie Ford.  They were residents of Chatham for over 60 years and enjoyed summers at their daughter Ann’s home on Martha’s Vineyard.

Shirley was an active volunteer in the church and local community. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for her daughters and their classmates.  She was a devout Episcopalian and an active parishioner,  Sunday school teacher,  and former vestry member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Chatham, for over 70 years.  A talented seamstress and knitter,  she was particularly known for the 100s of very special Christmas stockings she made for her family and friends.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and by her many beloved nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Bob, her parents,  her son-in-law Steve,  her brothers Guy, Jr. and Bob, her sister Peg,  several brothers and sisters-in -law, and many precious dogs. 

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects during a gathering at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in the parish hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Main Street, Chatham, immediately followed by a 2:00 p.m. funeral service at the same location. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Main St, Chatham, NJ 07928 or to St Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison,  NJ