Shirley Ann Caruso

Shirley Ann Caruso

Aug. 26, 1928 - Jan. 21, 2024

On Sunday, January 21, 2024, The Caruso and Phelps family lost our matriarch with the passing of Shirley at the age of 95. Shirley enjoyed a long life filled with love, joy, gratitude (mixed in with a little stubbornness).

Born Shirley Ann Phelps, on August 26, 1928, to the late Arthur Phelps and Myrta Phelps (Whitford).

Shirley graduated from Fort Edward High School in 1946. She worked for many years as an Executive Secretary at the International Paper Union, when it was headquartered in Fort Edward. She was very proud of her work there. Shirley ultimately retired from the Washington County Board of Elections as Democratic Commissioner in 1992, after 16 years.

Shirley married the love of her life, Anthony Caruso, on July 31, 1948. She loved to share the beautiful story of their initial meeting. Together they created Shirley's greatest treasure, her family that she absolutely adored. She devoted her life to her family. As the family grew, she showed us all the beauty of family and love with values cherished by even her great-grandchildren. A testament to who she was.

Shirley had a close circle of friends that included the "Secret Pals" who always seemed to find time for each other and had lots of fun (even a little mischief). It would be hard to find a nicer group of women. Their forever friendships filled her with so much love, kindness, and precious memories.

In 1946, her father and mother built Camp Bobcat on the shores of Adirondack Lake in Indian Lake, NY. Later, Shirley and Anthony would build nearby Camp GoodNuff. Those camps became her solace, her sanctuary away from home. So many decades of family, friends, and memories now into the third and fourth generation. A legacy of which Shirley and others are very proud.

Shirley was very active in her retirement years and after the death of her beloved Anthony in 1980. She was always on the go and drove (sometimes questionably) until the age of 90.

She was able to go on many trips, her favorite being a three-week cross-country bus tour coordinated by the Moreau Community Center, in 2002.

She was extremely proud of her volunteer work, especially her 40 years as a Guild volunteer at Glens Falls Hospital until the age of 90.

She was an avid reader and for many decades looked forward to her visits to the Fort Edward Library. Reading was a true passion, one that she was delighted to share with her grand/great-grandchildren, and one that endured into her nineties.

Living almost her entire life in Fort Edward she most recently resided at the Oaks at Fort Hudson, for eleven years, before entering the nursing home. She very much enjoyed her time there. She enjoyed playing dominoes, pinochle, and other activities. Most of all she was surrounded by old and new friends and acquaintances that supported each other. Shirley was very thankful for her time there.

Shirley was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and so much more. She was truly one of a kind and our memories of her will be forever cherished.

Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband, Anthony Charles Caruso, her parents, a son, Phillip A. Caruso, brothers: Arthur Phelps, Jr. and Wayne Phelps.

She is survived by her brother, Eugene Phelps (Karen); three remaining children: Christine Wanzer (John), David Caruso (Carol) and Deborah Caruso; and daughter-in-law, Jacqui Caruso; nine grandchildren: Jason Maynard, Mark Maynard, Jr., Christopher Caruso, Morgan Caruso Fisher, Alyssa Caruso Payne, Jeremy Caruso, Joshua Caruso, Katrina Wanzer Derhake and Anthony Wanzer; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews-a large family she loved very much.

Friends and family are invited to call from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024 at the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. A funeral service will follow the calling hours at 2:00 p.m.

The family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to the aides, nurses, housekeeping, and recreation staff at Fort Hudson Nursing Center for the dedicated care and The Community Hospice.

Memorial donations in Shirley's name can be made to the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation, 126 South Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801, or to the Fort Hudson Nursing Home, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.