Shirley M. Kuznarik

Shirley Marshall Kuznarik of Sebring, Florida, passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2016. She was born in Evanston, Indiana on September 24, 2016. She is survived by two sisters, Dottie and Shelia, a niece, Angel, and several nephews. Following high school, an independent and adventurous "Shirl" traveled to Miami, Florida, where she worked and studied the financial side of business. The happiest time of her life was when she met and married, John Kuznarik. Together, they traveled widely in the United States and started a successful fire sprinkler business. After retiring from their family-owned business in 2000, they moved to Golf Hammock. Shirley collected cookbooks and a large collection of shoes. After John's untimely death, she joined several service organizations and served on the Golf Hammock Board of Directors. Ms. Kuznarik belonged to the Elks Lodge, Sebring Women's Club, the Sebring Chamber of Commerce, and the Sebring Mah Jongg Maverns. She became an active member of the Highlands Little Theater when she began working as a volunteer in the box office. From there she sold 50/50 tickets, worked on the membership, scholarship, by laws policy and procedure committees. She also became involved in the management of Anthony's Lounge and co-chaired the holiday celebration for HLT members and volunteers. Not only did she work on the management side of the theater, but also was production coordinator for Auntie Mame, Second Samuel, and Gift of the Magi, plus appeared as a ghost for the Ghost Tours a few years ago. She was instrumental in holding an open house at the theater whereby the community could see the inner working of a play and how it is produced. Because of her active involvement in all aspects of HLT, it became more popular and well known in the community. In 2015, the lobby was completely renovated and named the Shirley Kuznarik lobby. She also served a president of the HLT board. Ms. Kuznarik was awarded the Gracie Award Board Service Award, and received honorable mention at the Volunteer's Award Banquet from the Highlands Little Theater. "Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got." Janice Joplin In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to the Highlands Little Theater, 356 W. Center Ave., Sebring, FL 33870. Services will be held at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home of Sebring on Saturday, August 27, 2016, 12:00 pm. A Reception will be held after the service from 1:30-3:30pm at the Highlands Little Theater.