Shirley Linda Hadden

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Shirley Linda Hadden on July 6, 2026. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 10, 1950, Shirley lived her life with a spirit of warmth and nurturing, traits that were reflected in both her personal and professional roles.

Shirley dedicated her career to helping others as a Dietary Manager at Mercy Franciscan Healthcare, where her passion the well-being of others made a profound impact on those around her. She would go above and beyond for her patients to ensure that their needs were met.

Beyond her career, Shirley cherished her role as a mother. She was fiercely devoted to her children—daughters Tracy Payne and Lisa Williamson and sons Benjamin, Dallas, Jacob, and Nathan Hadden. Her unwavering support led her to attend every event and activity, ensuring that her children always felt loved and encouraged. Family was at the center of Shirley’s life; she delighted in spending time with her best friend and sister Mary, and shared countless cherished moments with her grandchildren and Mary’s grandchildren, Camden and Jayden.

Shirley had a zest for life that shone through her many interests. She had a passion for collecting cookie jars, loved nurturing her houseplants, and found joy in baking Christmas cookies, creating sweet memories for her family year after year. She fostered and adopted three young boys to become part of her family, as well as fostered two girls for a few years until they could blossom on their own. Her love for dogs was also a testament to her caring nature as she welcomed four-legged companions into her home and heart.

She leaves behind her beloved family: Tracy (Scott) Payne and Lisa Williamson, sons Benjamin, Dallas, Jacob, and Nathan Hadden, siblings Sharon (Scott) Russell, Sandra Medcalf, Russell (Carrie) Jennings III, James (Kristen) Jennings, and Mary Williams, along with her cherished grandchildren: Trevor and Colin Payne, Mitchell and Holden Williamson, and Vaughn and Vivian Ayers.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Russell Jennings II and Edith Marine Jennings, and brother-in-law, Louis Medcalf, and nephew, Jayden Krebs.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 13^th, 2026 from 10:00-11:00am at Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 2155 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 (Follow the BLUE line). A memorial service will follow at 11:00am.

Memorial contributions in honor of Shirley can be made to the Cincinnati SPCA by visiting https://www.spcacincinnati.org/#.