Shirley Ann Ebert

Shirley Ann (Waghorn) Ebert was called to her heavenly reward on February 24, 2022. She was born on September 16, 1933, to Frances E. (Ellers) and Gerald D. Waghorn in Schenectady, NY. After attending schools in Schenectady, Shirley relocated with her family to Saratoga Springs, where she graduated from St. Peter's Academy (now Saratoga Central Catholic High School). She was named Salutatorian and received numerous awards for her academic achievements when she graduated in 1951. Shirley began working at G.F. Blackmer & Sons (on the Monday after her high school graduation!) and continued as a bookkeeper for more than 50 years. Shirley married David H. Ebert on October 23, 1954, and the marriage lasted 62 years, until David's passing in 2017.

Her spare time was devoted to family and friends, countless activities with her grandchildren, helping others, or volunteering wherever there was need. She was a deeply religious and active parishioner at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ballston Spa where she was a member of the prayer line and part of a group of women who knit lap blankets for the infirmed. Shirley also enjoyed monthly luncheons with long-time friends, baking cookies at Christmas time, reading, going to plays and musicals, and attending Bingo in Ballston Spa and Saratoga. Her summers were enhanced by vacations with her family at Schroon Lake. She was also an avid card player with both her friends and family. She was kind, generous, forgiving, loving of all, loved by all, independent, and incredibly strong. She drove her younger friends everywhere until her 88th birthday. Her first thoughts everyday were "What can I do to help?" That is who she was. We are left with beautiful memories and inspiration.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, husband, David, and two brothers, Richard J. and Gerald D. Waghorn. She is survived by her children, Gary F. Ebert and Julie A. Briscoe (Sean); her brother, David E. Waghorn (Susan); her adored grandchildren, Logan, Kristiana, Joel, and Asher Briscoe; many nieces and nephews, and her very dear sister-in-law, Mary Jeffers. The family would like to thank the hospital staff on the third floor (3D) at Saratoga Hospital and the lovely Hospice family for their kind and caring attention.

Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday March 6 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Monday, March 7 at St. Mary's Church, Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. Burial will be at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville also on Monday, at 12 p.m.

In honor of Shirley, consider wearing yellow (Shirley's favorite color) in celebration of her life. This was her request.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you to consider donating to the Samuel Jeffers Childhood Cancer Foundation (PO Box 270 Grover Beach, CA 93483 SamJeffersfoundation.org/contribute). This beautiful foundation was dear to Shirley as it was established after her sweet 8-year-old great-nephew passed too young.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.