Obituary of Shirley M. Ryan

Shirley M. Ryan, 81, formerly of Geneseo, passed away Sunday (July 1, 2012), in Heritage Green Rehab and Skilled Nursing facility, Greenhurst, NY. She was born September 1, 1930 in Troy, the daughter of the late Leslie C. and Mildred Louise Gailor Sibley of Mechanicville, NY. She was a graduate of Green Mountain College in Vermont majoring in vocal music as a coloratura. Later in life she earned certification in social work (CSW) from RIT in 1982 and received a MSW degree from Syracuse University in 1985. She was employed by SUNY Geneseo for 15 years as an administrative assistant to the principal of the Holcomb Campus School (today's Welles building) and in the Registrar's and Bursar's offices. Shirley later worked as a service coordinator and social worker for Craig Developmental Disabilities Service Office and for Finger Lakes DDSO, retiring in 1997. Shirley was a member of the Geneseo United Methodist Church, the Mary Jemison of the Genesee Chapter #417 of Eastern Star, DAR Willard Mt Chapter, Greenwich, NY and the Geneseo Monday Evening Class. She is survived by a daughter, Marilyn Ryan-Piper of Lakewood, a son Michael A. Ryan, of Jamestown, and a granddaughter, Caitlin L. Piper of Portsmouth, NH. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew M. Ryan (2009), her daughter Deborah R. Young (2002), sister, Marlene Sibley Ryan (1994) and son-in-law, Berton R. Young (1991). There will be no visitation and services will be private at the convenience of the immediate family. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, WNY Chapter 2805 Wehrle Dr. Ste 6, Williamsville, NY 14221-7380.