Shirley M. VanValkenburgh

Shirley M. (Griswold) VanValkenburgh, 93, passed away peacefully at Kingsway Arms in Schenectady, NY on September 5, 2015. Born on February 1, 1922, she was the daughter of Earl and Georgia (Bush) Griswold, founders of Griswold Funeral Home. A lifelong resident of Schenectady and Lake George, Shirley married her high school sweetheart, James "Jim" VanValkenburgh and together they worked as partners at the funeral home. Shirley assisted with the needs of the families until Jim's passing in 1987. She was a longtime member of Woodlawn Reformed Church and original member of the Bishop Gibbons Mothers Club, but her true passion was the love and care for her family. Shirley is survived by her sons, Terry (Gail) VanValkenburgh of Schenectady and Kurt (Marilyn) VanValkenburgh of Delray Beach, FL; her sister, Joan Brownley of Kentucky; her grandchildren, Michael (Vanessa) VanValkenburgh, Paul (Nina) VanValkenburgh, Cheryl VanValkenburgh, Dr. Suzanne (Dr. Justin Myers) VanValkenburgh, James VanValkenburgh, Heather (Matthew) Lipkin, Brock (Anna) VanValkenburgh, Melissa (Natt) Hesse; step-grandson, Bob Donahue; and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will take place on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. at Griswold Funeral Home, 1867 State St., Schenectady. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Schenectady. Donations may be made in Shirley's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Kingsway Community for the endless compassion and personal care they showed Shirley over the years. To express online condolences, please visit www.sbfuneralhome.com.