Shirley Rink

Shirley Adell Rink (nee Skaling), age 83 of Newton, NJ, died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, January 18, 2024.  We are comforted by knowing that she is now with her dear Lord and Savior in Heaven.   Shirley lived in Wayne, NJ for over 60 years before recently relocating to Newton, NJ.  She enjoyed fellowshipping at the Paterson and then Wayne Christian Assembly for well over 60 years, where everyone knew her as “Aunt Shirley”.  She could always be found helping with the children, singing or encouraging others.  Before retiring from work, Shirley had been a Special Education teacher in the Wayne Public schools for 25 years. 

Shirley was born in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and was the oldest of Russell and Adell Skalings four children.   When Shirley was a young girl, her family moved from Canada down to California, so her father could continue his studies.  The family enjoyed many wonderful years in California, and Shirley went on to graduate from San Gabriel High School.  Shortly thereafter the Skaling family moved to New Jersey where Shirley’s dad continued doing the Lord’s work.  Soon Shirley began pursuing her teaching degree at William Paterson Teacher’s College and then Kean College.   Three days after graduation, she married Edmund Rink, thus beginning the love story that would last for more than sixty years. 

Shirley and Edmund married on June 9, 1962 at the Colonia Chapel in Clark, NJ.  Following their wedding they journeyed in Eddie’s snazzy white convertible to Cape Cod for their honeymoon. They have enjoyed a very special love throughout their many years together, always holding hands along the way. They have lived a very blessed life centered on God and family, for which they are truly grateful.   Over the years, the Lord blessed Shirley and Eddie with two children, Lenny and Lisa.  Shirley was a wonderful mother with a huge heart.   She always encouraged and supported her family and those around her, including her students in school.  Following in her footsteps, both her children went on to become teachers as well.    Sadly, Shirley’s son, Lenny, predeceased her in 2015.   

Shirley has had many hobbies and loved to be busy.   She was an avid sewer and often made matching outfits for the family.  Music was also a huge part of her life.  There was always a song in her heart which bubbled out of her in the form of singing and whistling.    She also taught herself to play the piano and accordion.  Her poetry was loved by all as well!  Traveling was another highlight in her life.  When the children were young, the family would pack up the camper van and head off on adventures, often to attend various Christian camps and conferences.  They also drove across the country and visited most of the 50 states.   Having family in Charlotte, NC also meant many trips south and many cherished memories with several generations of the family gathered round the dinner table.  Shirley and Eddie also enjoyed many bus tours with Christian groups, an Alaskan cruise, and many beach visits to the Jersey Shore and Myrtle Beach. She led a blessed life, indeed. 

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband of sixty-one years; Edmund of Newton, NJ, their daughter, Lisa MacMoyle and her husband Glenn of Blairstown, NJ.  Shirley also is survived by her sister, Sandi Weimer and her husband Harry, her sister-in-law, Helen Skaling (widow of Dennis), and many nieces and nephews.  Shirley was predeceased by her son, Lenard Rink, her brother Dennis and her brother Robert.