Shirley Gaffney

Shirley Ann Gaffney - September 3, 1933 - August 16, 2025

Shirley Ann Gaffney, 91, of Niskayuna, New York, peacefully passed away into eternity on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Kingsway Arms, in Schenectady, New York.

Shirley was the beloved wife of James A. Gaffney with whom she married in 1957. Just shy of 68 years, their marriage has been a beautiful example selflessness, devotion, true love and inspiration. With James, Shirley shared many dreams and treasured memories including their travels to Alaska, Hawaii, The Canadian Rockies, Bermuda and many winters in Venice Florida.

Shirley was born and raised in Binghamton, New York, where she studied and became a Registered Nurse with her twin sister Barbara. Together, they worked at Saint Mary's Hospital in Binghamton, New York.

After marrying, Shirley and James relocated to Niskayuna, New York, where she was a devoted mother and homemaker, and together with James, raised three children:

Kathleen Palmieri (Salvatore), James Gaffney (Robin), and Michael Gaffney (Gina). Shirley was blessed with five grandchildren: Gregory Palmieri (Cori), Christine Palmieri (Sean Till), Brandon Gaffney, Matthew Gaffney (Abigail Fisher), and Michelle McIntyre (Case); and two great-grandchildren: Madison Rae McIntyre and Benjamin James Gaffney.

Catholic funeral services will be held on September 3, 2025, 9:00AM, at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1803 Union Street, Schenectady, New York 12309. Interment to follow in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 2501 Troy-Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, New York. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, New York 12205. (Communityhospice.org)