Shirley I. O'Connor

Shirley I. O'Connor obituary, Niskayuna, NY

Shirley I. O'Connor

Shirley O'Connor Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home on Aug. 21, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Niskayuna- Shirley I. O'Connor, 94, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025. Born in Nashua, NH on October 10, 1930, to the late Maxwell and Celia Libbey. She graduated from Nashua High School and went on to become a bookkeeper. Married her husband Richard on January 12, 1957. Shirley and Richard lived in Long Beach, CA; Norfolk, VA; Wrentham, MA while Richard served in the Navy. Relocating to Schenectady in 1962 and Niskayuna in 1963. Shirley worked for various Doctors offices in the Schenectady area, retired from Ellis Hospital as a bookkeeper in the gift shop in the early 90's. Shirley was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia O'Connor; husband Richard O'Connor; parents, Celia and Max Libbey. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Karen O'Connor of Clifton Park; her grandson, Ryan Szymanski of Clifton Park and a granddaughter, Christina Szymanski of Boston. She is also survived by a cousin, Ruth Hunter and her brother, Dan Libbey of Florida. Shirley's family would like to thank all the staff and caregivers of the various senior living communities that she resided at over the last 20 years. Thank you to Coburg Village, Kingsway Independent Living, The Terrace at Glen Eddy, Marjorie Doyle Rockwell Center and lastly Shaker Place Nursing Home. Services will be private with Interment in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Community Hospice Foundation, givetocommunityhospice.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Shirley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Shirley O'Connor's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Shirley O'Connor's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?