Shirley A. Gaines

Shirley Anne Gaines, a remarkable woman known for her adventurous spirit and entrepreneurial ventures, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, December 3, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital - Warren Campus in Phillipsburg, NJ, surrounded by her loving family. She was 86 years old. Born on September 17, 1939, in Waterbury, Connecticut, Shirley lived from coast to coast but spent the majority of her life in Hunterdon County, NJ, where she made indelible contributions to her community.

Professionally, Shirley was a dedicated employee, working for many local employers including, Unisys Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Hitran Corporation, and Majors, but her talents extended far beyond traditional employment. Shirley was truly a pioneer in her thinking and ahead of her time, having established "Errands R Us," a service that helped people with running errands they did not have time to do. Moreover, she went on to create one of the first taxi services in Hunterdon County, named "The Horseless Carriage," where she proudly drove various individuals, including doctors and celebrities, to their destinations.

Shirley's personality was as vibrant as her endeavors. She was known to be iron-willed and opinionated, characterized by her tough exterior that her family admired dearly. Those who knew her recognized her fearless nature, as she was always looking for the next adventure. "Just try it once...you might like it," was a phrase she often expressed, encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones. Her inquisitive mind was complemented by her mantra, "always ask questions" to foster learning and understanding.

In addition to her entrepreneurial spirit, Shirley was gifted in woodworking, building furniture, and crafting HO Scale Model Trains from balsa wood. Her hands were truly skilled, and she took great pleasure in her hobbies.

Shirley cherished her family above all, fiercely loving those she held dear. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Peisel of Milford, NJ; her granddaughter, Heather Bentzinger, and her husband Justin; and her two great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Rowan. She is also survived by her daughter, Christine Klipphahn; her grandsons Max Klipphahn of Gainesville, FL, and Jack Klipphahn of Delaware; her bonus daughters, Cynthia Lovell of Indiana and Dawn Vosburg of New York; and her brother, George Phillips, of California, and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was predeceased by her grandson, Eric Peisel, in May of 2025, as well as her two sisters and her beloved "angel puppy," Bella. The legacy she leaves behind is not just in her accomplishments but in the love and inspiration she imparted to her family and friends, who will forever remember her adventurous spirit and unwavering strength.

As she would say, "LYL!"

Memorial contributions in Shirley's memory may be made to The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 OR by clicking the link below.

Arrangements are private under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.