Shirley E. (Austin) McPhee

Queensbury/Whitehall- Shirley E. McPhee, 86 of Patten Drive, Queensbury was received into the loving arms of our Lord at her home on February 11, 2017 surrounded by her family.

Shirley was born on February 24, 1930 in West Rutland, Vermont.  The daughter of the late John C. and Myrtle (Fish) Austin.

She married the love of her life John Francis McPhee on June 27, 1948 and was married for 51 years before his passing in 1999.  She retired to take care of her beloved husband.

Besides her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her son John “Butch” McPhee, a brother Charles “Bud” Austin, and her beloved cats, Thelma, Louise and Daisy.

In her early years Shirley worked for the Silk Mill, Troy Coat Factory both in Whitehall and later retired as a foreman for General Electric Company in Fort Edward after 30 years of employment.

She was a member of the Red Hats, American Legion Auxiliary and a volunteer at the Skene Manor.

She enjoyed bowling, Elks Lodge bus trips to Atlantic City and fun times at Case’s bar with friends.

Shirley was a communicant of Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church in Whitehall, where she lived for 68 years, then lived for her last 6 years in Queensbury with her family..

In her later years she enjoyed reading, meeting her girlfriends for lunch, going to the casinos and in a moment notice going places with Rick and Lisa without any complaints.  Her motto was “go with the flow”.

Shirley was known for sending cards to her family and friends to brighten their day and let them know that she was thinking of them.

Her most prized possession was the love of her family and her Rickey.

She is survived by her daughters Lisa Fleury (Rick) of Queensbury, Kathleen Laiacona (Art) and Lori McPhee of Whitehall.  Grandchildren Michael McPhee, Angela Smith (Cliff), Andrew Fleury (Cassandra), Erin Fleury, Nathaniel Gebo (Dana), Ryan Gebo (Emily), Shannon Wilbur (Eric), Derek Gordon, Great Grandchildren, David, Benjamin, Liam, Jacob, Isabella, Mia, Kenslee and Reagan.

Calling hours for family and friends will be held on Wednesday February 15, 2017 from 4-7pm at the Jillson Funeral Home Inc. 46 Williams Street, Whitehall NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 11am at the Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church in Whitehall, with Rev. Rendell Torres, Pastor officiating.  Interment with be in the spring in the Our Lady of Angels Cemetery.

The family would to thank Cariatas, Alzheimer Disease Caregiver Support, Glens Falls hospital medical team and a special thanks goes out to Shirley’s special earth angels, Sue Shoe, Pat Q, Sally, Pat C., Pat R. and Kristin.

Family has suggested in lieu of flower donations made be made to Upstate SPCA, 588 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury, NY 12804.

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