Obituary of Shirley Graves

Shirley M. Graves, 87 of Lansing, NY, passed away on December 30, 2017.  A memorial ceremony will be held at Woodsedge Apartments Community Room, Woodsedge Drive, Lansing, NY on Friday, January 12, 2018 between 4:00 and 6:00 PM with a Celebration of Life service at 4:30 PM.

Shirley was born in Schenectady, NY to Lawrence and Daisy D’Avignon on August 10, 1930.

Shirley is survived by her children Frank Graves, Chris (Erica Hostetler) Santospirito, Faye (Patti Preston) Gill, Fawn (Vincent Suckell) Russell, and George (Dorothy Marlitt) Graves, 10 grandchildren, several great grand-children and great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her son Richard A. Graves, Jr., grandsons Richard A. Graves III and George A. Graves, Jr., great-grandson Nickolas Kinney, and great-granddaughter Makayla Rose Graves.

It is no surprise that Shirley worked as a waitress for many years, which was so appropriate for her high energy and gregarious personality. Always aspiring to better herself, she completed her GED at the age of 53, worked as a bookkeeper for several companies and eventually retired from Agway Propane Division.  At 65 Shirley chose to return to work as a dental office manager where she worked until the age of 70.

Shirley was known for her easy laugh and zest for life. She would say “Yes!” to any offer of a trip or visit to family. Her bag would be ready by the door, no questions asked. She loved the experience of travel regardless of the destination but the ocean always provided Shirley with a sense of peace and tranquility.

She enjoyed keeping busy and knitted or crocheted caps and lap robes to benefit babies and cancer patients, sewed therapy bags for loves ones and never allowed anyone to run out of warm slippers, hats and scarves. Shirley took up quilting after moving to Lansing and enjoyed the company of like-minded friends at Lifelong in Ithaca. Although she only had a few wins under her belt, she was an avid Bingo player.  While a resident at Woodsedge, Shirley was active on several committees.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lansing Fire Department, 80 Ridge Rd., Lansing, NY 14882.  Please make checks payable to Lansing Fire Dept. EMS and note “In Memory of Shirley Graves”.  The family wishes to extend their gratitude to I-Circle Care, Visiting Nurse Service, the Groton Health Care Center and all who had shared a laugh, an adventure, or cared for Shirley and became part of her life.