Mrs. Shirley (Derochie) Ryan

Mrs. Shirley (Derochie) Ryan, age 87, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2015 at the Masonic Care Community of NY surrounded by her loving family. Born in Malone, NY on September 27, 1928, Shirley was the daughter of the late J. Floyd and Gertrude (Pelkey) Derochie. She also knew the love and joy of her stepmother, Juanita. Raised and educated in Malone, she attended St. Joseph’s Academy and went on to graduate from Potsdam State Teacher’s College with a Bachelor’s Degree. On December 27, 1948 in Malone, NY she was married to H. Paul Ryan with whom she shared a union of nearly 50 years prior to his passing in May of 1998. They were a well-suited couple who enjoyed common values and delighted in spending time with family and friends. Shirley treasured her 30 year tenure as a Kindergarten teacher in the Chateaugay Central School District. Her love for her children was evident and her rapport with her young students was exceptional; in return, they honored her heartfelt efforts with admiration and respect. She leaves a legacy of excellence in teaching generations of children, and their children as well. As a matriarch, Shirley’s love for her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was profound and unlimited. She was a beloved mother and a kind mentor who always had a positive affect on those she loved. She motivated and inspired people and made a real difference in their lives. She was fun-loving, humorous, and involved in an active life style. A woman of endless energy, she was a community-minded woman and participated in many organizations. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Shirley sang in choral groups as well as with her church choir. When she gathered with friends, sing-alongs were a source of entertainment for all. Family celebrations and parties were often impromptu, but always mindful of holidays, birthdays, and special moments in the lives of loved ones. She enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Florida and summers at Chateaugay Lake in the Adirondacks where she found serenity and formed fond memories of days filled with laughter, levity, and love. Three generations shared their summers at the camp that Paul and Shirley built and soon became their paradise. Shirley treasured her independence, not one to be deterred. She was enthusiastic and energetic while residing at the Steinhorst Apartments where she made many wonderful friends. Her convivial nature continued as she made acquaintances, participated in many activities and formed friendships at the Masonic Care Community. Her hobbies included being a lifelong and passionate reader as well as playing golf, completing jigsaw puzzles and going shopping. Shirley was of the Catholic faith and upheld the traditions and rites of the Church. Shirley is survived by her children, Mary Jo and James Crossman of Utica, Michael J. Ryan of PA, Susan and John Schenck of MA, and Helen and Cliff Kennedy of the Rochester, NY area; her eleven cherished grandchildren; and her ten especially cherished great-grandchildren. She will also be remembered by her step-sisters and brother-in-law, Lora Perry of the Syracuse area, and Kristine and Richard Fikes of Pulaski, NY; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She held dear the companionship of the late Harold Brooks, a bond that brought them good times and lots of laughs. She also leaves her in-laws, Ann Derochie, Lucille Hinds, Barbara Ryan, and Winnie Norcross. She was predeceased by her brother, John F. Derochie. The family extends their thanks to the staff of the Westchester Household at the Masonic Care Community of NY for the outstanding and compassionate care they provided to Shirley as well as her family. Shirley’s loved ones will honor and commemorate her life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Masonic Care Community of NY; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Chateaugay, NY at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Shirley (Derochie) Ryan

September 27, 1928 - December 26, 2015