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BORN
1943
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Shary Zifchock Obituary
Lansing - Shary J. Zifchock, 75, of Lansing, passed away Friday, Dec. 14, 2018 at her home after a period of declining health. She was born February 11, 1943 in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, a daughter of the late Edgar A. and Audrey (Cooper) Nalley.
A lifelong resident of the Lansing area, Shary served for 25 years as the Democratic Commissioner of Elections for Tompkins County, retiring in 2002. Active in the community and local politics, Shary had been a longtime member of the Tompkins County and Town of Lansing Democratic Committees and was a life member and past president of the NYS Election Commissioners Association. She was a communicant of All Saints Church and had served as a trustee and secretary for the North Lansing Cemetery Association.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Carl S. Zifchock of Lansing; her children, Michael Manley (Ami) of New Bern, NC, Cynthia Endres (Fred) of East Amherst, NY, and Brent Zifchock (Denise) of Hampstead, NC; nine grandchildren: Desiree Ascevich, Brittany Manley, Hunter, Jackson and Olivia Endres, Jeffrey Vicedomini, Mason and Owen Carrican, and Connor Ryan; great-grandchildren Kaleb, Mason, and Aaliyah, and her fourth, Lilly Mae, due in January; her brothers, Gary Nalley of Pahrump, NV and Wade Nalley (Fran) of Locke; and extended family. Shary enjoyed countless friendships, regaled in her Irish heritage, was a "chef extraordinaire," and "Nana" especially cherished the times with her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Shary was predeceased by her first husband, Clayton (Bob) Manley, a daughter, Tammie Lynne Manley in 1981, and a granddaughter, Marisa Audrey Endres in 2004.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Daniel Ruiz at All Saints Church in Lansing on Friday, Dec. 21, at 1:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the mass at the LakeWatch Inn.
Friends may call on Thursday, Dec. 20 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 10117 Route 90, Genoa.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shary Zifchock
Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.
Deborah Dietrich
December 11, 2024
Thinking of you today and always. I love you, sister of the heart.
Deborah Dietrich
December 11, 2022
I can't believe it's been almost four years without you, dear friend. You are still loved and missed.
Deborah F Dietrich
December 11, 2021
Still miss you sister of choice.
Deborah Dietrich
December 11, 2020
Shary will always be missed. She's left a void that no one else can fill. Sending love to her family.
Stanley Zalen
December 11, 2019
I always looked forward to seeing Shari. She lit up the room.
Stan Zalen NYS Board of Elections (retired)
Deborah Dietrich
December 11, 2019
It's been almost a year and I she remains in my heart and mind. My sister friend forever.
Marty Luster
December 20, 2018
So sorry and saddened to hear of Shary's death.
She was a good friend during my years in Tompkins County politics and a well respected public servant.
My deepest sympathies to the family and her legion of friends. We were all fortunate to have been touched by her energy, humor and concern.
AURORA VALENTI
December 20, 2018
Shary was one of God's last noble women!
She always had time for her personal family and for the family of friends, neighbors and co-workers. Her assistance was always available to all those who called upon her.
When she would phone me ....
"Hey, Hi Aurora," .... "this is....
And I stopped her because NO ONE had that fabulous voice as did Shary J. Zifchock.
Memories shall sustain us.
Ciao!
Robin St. Andrews
December 19, 2018
Dear Zip and Family,
I am so sorry to learn of Shary's passing. We shared many good times together as Election Commissioners. I was asking Lee about her just this last fall and asked that he say hello for me. Shary was an unforgettable individual and I know how much she will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rich Couch
December 19, 2018
Shary was a great Elections Commissioner . She was a great help to those working to elect good people in Tompkins County. I learned a lot from Commissioner Zifchock early in my career. Thank you for your service Shary. Rest in peace.
Gale Fish Cole
December 19, 2018
Sorry to hear of her passing,she was a great person went to school with her .Prayers for all of her family'
Abby and Dave Hatfield
December 18, 2018
May you all find peace in her ended struggle with health knowing she is resting in the arms of the Lord.
December 18, 2018
Shary was a good friend - we had a good time back in our younger years. May she rest in peace and condolences to her family. She will be missed.
Joyce Hall Snider
Phoenix, Arizona
December 17, 2018
I knew Shary very well as a lawyer for the NYS Boards of Elections for the entire time she was the Comm. She was special, and I looked for to seeing her both at our Board in Albany and at all the conferences. I always looked forward to seeing her for her kindness and good humor.
Stanley Zalen
Ann June
December 17, 2018
Brent, Cynthia and family,
So very sorry to hear that your mom has passed away.
May you find comfort in all the memories and know that she is at peace.
She will be missed.
Julia (Dietrich) Louis
December 17, 2018
Sending so much love to all of you. Memories of cookie making, too much Chardonnay at Baby Showers, summer barbecues, blunt advice when I needed it most. This is the Shary I loved. I take solace in knowing that Tammie was there to welcome you. Til we meet again my other mother, I love you Shary.
Robin Salisbury
December 17, 2018
Prayers to the family I met Shary many years ago at upstate medical when both our sons were patients. A very outgoing and vibrant woman. May her memories help you through this difficult time .
Jerry and Ella Holden
December 17, 2018
Dear Zip and Shary's family and friends, we were so sorry to know of her passing. We shared some great conversations, laughs,and tears over the past years.
May the peace and comfort of the Lord be with you all at this most difficult time.
Deborah Dietrich
December 17, 2018
Shary was a dear friend and sister of my heart. Thinking of you Zip and family and sending love.
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