Shirley Ruth Hackett

Shirley Ruth Hackett, 88, of Washington, NJ, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, at Hunterdon Care Center in Flemington, NJ.

Born on May 21, 1938, in Easton, Pennsylvania, Shirley was the daughter of the late James T. Vossller and Edith L. Vossller, née Swain. She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Washington High School, Class of 1956.

Shirley was a longtime member of the Washington United Methodist Women’s Group, where she enjoyed the fellowship and friendships she shared with others. She had a love for the simple pleasures in life, including shopping, gardening, reading, and traveling. Some of her favorite memories were made “down the shore,” where she enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Shirley had a special talent for bringing people together. She loved throwing parties, entertaining, and creating a welcoming home where family and friends could gather, laugh, share stories, and make lasting memories. Her love extended to animals as well, and she was especially devoted to her beloved cats, Sweetie and Baby.

Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, Leon Hackett Jr., James Hackett, and Jeffrey Hackett and his wife, Mary Ellen; her four grandchildren, Kari and her husband, Walter, Aaron, Michelle, and Mason; and her sister, Virginia “Ginny” Wagner. She is also survived by her niece, Sherry Beck and her husband Richard, her nephews, Richard Houston and Allen Wagner; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband, Leon W. Hackett Sr., who passed away in 2022; her daughter, Deborah DeRemer; her sister, Doris Houston; and her grandson, Leon Hackett III.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 West Washington Avenue, Washington, New Jersey 07882. A service celebrating Shirley’s life will begin at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m.

Cremation will follow, with inurnment at Union Cemetery in Hackettstown, NJ, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which supports lifesaving pediatric care, research, and programs for children and their families. Donate to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

To send an online condolence, please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com.