Shirley Jean Doolen

First, A note from Megan:
To all of you who loved my mother, and I am well-aware there were a great many, I appreciate your time. You have very patiently allowed for my sister, Sara, and me to privately grieve our mother, and to tackle the emotional avalanches of this egregious loss. There will never be a moment she is missed from our minds. Losing our dad only five years ago further complicates our grief.
It was not until I became a parent myself that I could possibly understand the depths of my parents' unconditional love for us. So, please know that the delay of formal acknowledgement and notification of her unexpected departure was neither malicious, nefarious, nor careless. Mom was and continues to be so very and deeply loved. And we are so grateful for each one of you who loved her so in this life, that you continue that love for her right along with us.
She spent her life weaving a net of genuine love, empathy, and compassion that seemed to have been cast out over Sara and me the minute she died. I cannot begin to express our gratitude for how comforting that has been to us. Again, we thank you.
Shirley Jean Doolen (née McRae), 66, of Peru, New York, passed away unexpectedly, in the final days of a trip to visit her daughter Megan and family in Alabama. While the exact cause is unknown, we surmise that her husband, Bert, who predeceased her, was simply tired of waiting for her arrival. Though, we have no doubt she ascended to her heavenly casino cruise ship in the sky via first class.
Shirley was born on September 6, 1958, in Puerto Rico, where her father was stationed at Ramey AFB in Aguadilla. Much of Shirley's childhood would be spent in this beach-paradise of an assignment, which makes total sense, as she often seemed to be on "Island Time". The McRaes were sent to Plattsburgh AFB in 1971, where they would eventually call it home.
In addition to her loving husband, Bert T. Doolen, Shirley is a predeceased by her father, Horace R. McRae, brother, David R. McRae, and most recently, her sweet Georgia peach of a mother, Barbara J. McRae (née Chestnutt). They are assuredly reunited, laughing, reminiscing, and casting unfiltered judgement on the rest of the family, lovingly nicknamed "the McRae-zies."
Shirley's now useless casino promotions continue to be mailed to her devoted daughters, Megan Braun (Jonathan), and Sara Doolen. The absolute loves and joys of her life, Hattie Barbara, Edison Mac, and Torin Thomas Braun are left bereft and, quite frankly, far less well-dressed. No one could match a Baby Gap or Carter's outfit for those kids quite like their Grammie. Forget about tariffs, department store sales have plummeted since her passing.
The baby of the family, Shirley also leaves behind her eldest brother, Louis E. McRae (Theda) and his children, Galen McRae(Michelle) and Kaitlin McRae Rose (Aaron), Her "bro" David's partner, Sheila Brockway, his children, Barbara "Niki" Lobitos(Leroy), Bryan McRae, and her great-niece, Tiani Lobitos. Additionally, Shirley leaves behind her military-turned-family members, Opal and Donna Curtis. Shirley is also survived by her life-long best friend, confidant, and an anchor in some of life's most unforgiving tides, Barbara, and her husband, Gary Peacock. For nearly the last two decades, Barb was her sounding board as well as her dartboard. So, we really mean "survived."
Shirley spent her life caring for others personally and professionally. A proud graduate of the nursing program at Clinton Community College, she began her career as a registered nurse in Elizabethtown, NY. Shirley then found her home at CVPH in Plattsburgh where she served for almost 40 years between their coronary care unit and cardiac rehabilitation program. Her compassion was met with a relentless determination to provide care she felt all patients deserve. The care she would say she would give if it was her own family member. She was a fierce advocate for patients and ensured her opinions were known. We all know administration hated to see her in a meeting. But for it, they were better.
In the unlikely event Shirley did not take your call, it was not because she screened it or even silenced the ringer on her phone. The ringer was always on. And it was always loud. It was likely because Shirley was sitting at a hot slot machine at the casino, on a cruise ship, or visiting her daughter Megan and her grandkids, as Megan was sure to put the phone in silent mode. Shirley enjoyed traveling, especially delighting in business class. She never met a slot machine she didn't think would hit for at least a bonus round, and she could (and would) shop for hours. However, she derived the most joy in life from any time she had with her family and friends. The two cannot be separated, because in the unlikely event you did not already know it, if Shirley Doolen called you a friend, you were like family to her.
Shirley had friends and family across the country, but no matter where either of you were, she was a safe place, a guiding voice, a loyal protector, and certainly the person you always want in your corner. Even at her own worst, she brought out the best in others. Shirley could make even the most ordinary moments feel special. Shirley was a lot of things, but above all, irreplaceable. She was one of one. So, in her honor, we ask that you take the trip, buy the thing, order the dessert, and love your people "to the moon and back," as she would say.
Funeral services will be held at R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh, NY on Saturday, June 28th, 2025. Calling hours will begin at 10 am with a service to follow at 11:00. Megan, Sara, and Barbara are honored to host you for refreshments and continued celebration of Shirley's life at the Westside Ballroom, also in Plattsburgh.
In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations in Shirley's memory to be considered at later dates. To continue her legacy, the family and beloved colleagues would like to establish a fund focused on improving patient accessibility to the hospital's cardiac rehabilitation program. Shirley committed 40 years of her life helping to heal the hearts of the North Country and making sure patients got the care they needed – whether they liked it or not.
To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.