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Shirley Gamsky Obituary
Appleton - Shirley Ann Gamsky (Fassbender) passed away on January 21, 2021 peacefully in her sleep at St. Paul Home in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Shirley was born April 1, 1928 to Walter and Bernice Fassbender in Appleton, Wisconsin. She was the oldest of seven children and helped to raise them when her father went off to war. After graduating from Seymour High School in 1946 where she was known as "Fossie", she worked at Wisconsin Telephone and Zwicker Knitting Mills before marrying Joseph Henry Gamsky on October 2, 1954. They were married for 35 years and had three children. Shirley was an avid league bowler and also proudly owned and operated The Appleton Yarn Shop where she was able to meet fellow knitters and form many friendships.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Henry Gamsky; siblings: Lyle Fassbender, Donna Teske, Carla Hose, Phillip Fassbender and her son-in-law Robert "Beto" Stephenson who along with Shirley's daughter Connie was fundamental in her care for many years until his death in 2019.
Shirley is survived by her siblings, Judy Tilch and Joanne Losito. She is also survived by her son, Joseph Gamsky (Kay Rankel) of Gillett, daughters, Connie Stephenson of Menasha, Vicki Reich (Craig) and her only grandchild Alexis Reich of California. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews with whom she enjoyed a good laugh and a Lite beer on ice.
Shirley and her family were residents of Bellaire Court in Appleton for over 40 years. She loved the neighborhood and all of her neighbors, many of whom were instrumental in helping Shirley to remain in her home for as long as she was able. Your kindness and understanding meant so much to Shirley and her family.
Thank you to the many caregivers who entered Shirley's life the last 10 years. To Gina, thank you for your love and friendship. Thank you to St. Paul Home for the superior care she received the last 2 and half years of her life.
Because of Covid, the family has chosen to have an outdoor graveside ceremony.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Gamsky
Sponsored by the Appleton Post-Crescent.
Sue Toussaint
January 17, 2022
I sure do miss Shirley´s huge smile and her concern and attention to all Bellaire Court families!
Jay Kellett
March 30, 2021
Deepest condolences for your loss. Shirley was always fun and smiles with me!
Tom Vollmer
January 26, 2021
I could not have asked for a better Aunt and Uncle than Shirley and Joe. Shirley was practical and was always trying to make life better for everyone. Plus she had a great sense of humor.
Cindy CN
January 25, 2021
Shirley was a beloved neighbor on Bellaire Court. She could be seen walking around the Court picking weeds, walking neighborhood babies in strollers, chatting. We were lucky to have her on Bellaire Court for as long as we did.
Tori Koepke Schroeder
January 24, 2021
Vicki, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I am thinking of you and your family. I have many good memories of your mom. She made the best fried egg sandwiches!
ST
January 24, 2021
Shirley was a dear neighbor on Bellaire Court. With her house located at the beginning of our neighborhood, she was a lovely “gatekeeper” who watched out for everyone. With love to Shirley and her family,
Sue Toussaint
Anne Goldgar
January 24, 2021
Connie, Joe, and Vicki, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Thinking of you all. love from Anne Goldgar
MP
January 23, 2021
Thanks for making sure all the hood children got home safely while keeping your sidewalk swept, shoveled and yard manicured. You were our "keeper of the gate".
Cheryl Hoffman
January 23, 2021
Aunt Shirley always had a smile and had the best sense of humor! She was a favorite and will be truly missed♡
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