Shirley Cioffi

Shirley Anne (Kelley) Cioffi

Shirley Anne (Kelley) Cioffi of Edgartown, Massachusetts, devoted mother and grandmother, died peacefully on the morning of March 25, 2025, under the care of Martha's Vineyard Hospice while surrounded by her loving family. Months earlier, Shirley had celebrated her 80th birthday like a queen, surrounded by those dearest to her.

Born January 10, 1945, at Martha's Vineyard Hospital to Robert W. and Dorothy E. Kelley of Edgartown, prominent Edgartonians, Shirley grew up on the Vineyard when there were still working dairy farms, and life was quiet and work scarce nine months of the year for year-round island residents.

She was in the first class to graduate from the new Martha's Vineyard Regional High School. Following graduation, she attended Dean College and later moved to Boston, where she met Anthony P. Cioffi of Winthrop. The couple married in June 1969.

While living in Halifax, MA, they were blessed with the arrival of sons Erik and Brian and daughters Suzanne and Robin. Shirley was a devoted mother and provided a loving and nurturing home for her family.

The young family later moved to Owego in upstate New York. Shirley worked for the Owego Apalachin School District in the resource room, dedicating 27 years to educating and mentoring her many students. Shirley loved being a mother and spending time with her children, as they enjoyed outdoor activities and school sports. Hunting, fishing, 4-H Club, a small farm where they raised goats, chickens, and horses, added to the fun. She was a true pioneer, learning how to make cheese from goat's milk and tapping trees to make maple syrup.

Following retirement, Shirley returned to Edgartown to help care for her aging parents and enjoy relaxing days at the beach, where she felt most at peace. The smell of the salt air and sand between her toes was all she needed. She also enjoyed memorable visits from family, friends and members of her Owego Apalachin School District family.

Shirley loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Bermuda and Grand Cayman, an unforgettable trip to Switzerland to visit beloved cousins John and Rene Garand-Meyer, and the journey of a lifetime with her daughter, Suzanne, to Alaska. She also enjoyed spending time with her cherished grandchildren.

As her health failed her, in keeping with her wishes not to end her days in a hospital room, her son Brian and daughter Suzanne provided round-the-clock care so Shirley could remain in her treasured home until the end.

Shirley's children were a great source of pride and joy. Her love and affection for them were only enhanced by the sheer enchantment she found in the activities of her treasured grandchildren.

Shirley will affectionately be remembered for her warmth and kindness. She is loved beyond measure and will be sorely missed by her children and grandchildren. They will never walk along a beach without stopping to look for the ultimate piece of sea glass and smile with loving gratitude for all she sacrificed and the legacy she left behind.

Shirley is survived by daughters Suzanne Cioffi of Edgartown and Robin Cioffi Canham and partner Daniel Irland of Fairport, NY; sons Brian Cioffi and wife Kari of Chilmark, and Erik Cioffi and wife Christina of Plymouth, MA. Grandchildren Bryce Cioffi, Kelley Canham, Reid Canham, Sydney Canham, Analea Cioffi-Maxwell (Evan), Isabella (Cioffi) Tocci, Teagan Cioffi, Easton Cioffi and Amiyah Cioffi. Cousins John and Rene Garand-Meyer of Honolulu, Hawaii; sister Sanda Kelley Sinclair of Connecticut; sisters-in-law, Pamela Stiller Kelley of Williamstown, MA and Margurite Cioffi of Salem, NH as well as nieces and nephews and a lifetime of friends who were family.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Robert W. and Dorothy E. (Scott) Kelley of Edgartown; special Aunt, Louise Kelley and Albert Garand; brothers Robert W. Kelley Jr. and Jeffrey D. Kelley; granddaughter Saige Kelley Cioffi; and former husband Anthony P. Cioffi.

At Shirely's request, there will be no services. In memory of Shirley, please walk along a beach and search for sea glass. Start your collection jar and watch it grow over time as many jars were filled throughout her lifetime.