Shirley Beach Obituary

Beach, Shirley COLONIE Shirley Ann Beach, age 66, entered into eternal life suddenly Thursday, September 20, 2007. Born in Montour Falls, N.Y., she was a graduate of the Crane School of Music at Potsdam. Shirley was a music teacher and theatrical musical director at Shaker Jr. High School and subsequently at the Loudonville Elementary School. She also gave private piano lessons. Shirley was a very active member of the Community Reformed Church of Colonie, serving on their finance committee, assistant director of Parable Players Drama Ministry, as well as volunteering weekly at the church office. For several years, she provided music for the worship service at the Ann Lee Nursing Home. More recently, she was in the process of establishing a prayer shawl knitting ministry. Daughter of the late Kenneth Beach. Beloved daughter of Thalia J. Robbins Harrington of Montour Falls, N.Y.; loving sister of James Harrington of N.C., Dennis Harr-ington of Maine; also survived by several nieces and nephews. A service of memory will be held Monday evening, September 24, 2007 at 7:00 at the Community Reformed Church of Colonie, 701 Sand Creek Road, to which relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may send a remembrance in Shirley's name to the New Church Sign Fund at the Community Reformed Church of Colonie.

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Published by Albany Times Union from Sep. 23 to Sep. 24, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Beach

16 Entries

Pat LaFleur

October 2, 2007

I was shocked to hear of Shirley's passing. My condolences to the family. I'm so sorry that I didn't hear about her til now so that I could have gone to her memorial service.

I taught grade three and Shirley taught music at Boght Hills School back in the 60's where we played our baritone ukuleles and sang folk songs with the children.

Shirl, thanks for the wonderful musical times we spent together singing our three part harmonies with Roberta Demmerer at school functions.

John Brown

September 25, 2007

I've lost a friend.

A friend of some 55 years whom I haven't seen or spoken to in 49 years, but a friend nonetheless.

We were friends in high school and when we got re-acquainted via email a couple of years ago, the only thing that had changed was that we had both grown older and, at least in my case, wiser.

I think Shirley was always wiser than most of us.

I will truly miss her, as obviously a great number of people will also.

becky savaria

September 24, 2007

i am so saddened to hear of miss beach's passing--she was not only my teacher but my 8 siblings too-----she left a lasting impression on all of us--she will be sadly missed

Janel, Nevada and Zane Nelsen

September 24, 2007

Shirley was a wonderful knid soul. My children and I knew her from church-she always had a smile on her face and a kind word to say. We will miss her dearly.

Jodie Nowak

September 24, 2007

I am so sorry to hear of Miss Beach's passing, she was my music teacher in elementary school and I have so many fond memories of her. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

Marian Agars

September 24, 2007

There are always certain teachers you remember in your life and your childrens lives and Shirley was one of them. I will always remember the stories of Miss Beach from my children and from the memories I have of her at Boght Hills. She was a very special teacher.

Sharon Boswell

September 24, 2007

Shirley (Miss Beach) was my choral teacher in junior high and an inspiration to me as I, too, went on to attend the Crane School of Music. I have thought of her often, as I will continue to do, with warm memories of one of my favorite teachers.

Dave Dauphinais

September 24, 2007

It is with great sadness that I learn of Shirley's passing. I was one of the fortunate few to have "Miss Beach" as a music teacher for a number of years when growing up, then to get to know "Shirl" as a good friend during several community theater productions, and while working the band pit for Loudonville ES. However, the time spent in the pit was far from work, as Shirley's kindness, humor, and love always made that time the high point of the week.

She was a very special lady and a very good friend, and she will never be forgotten.

Maria La Chance, Jr.

September 24, 2007

To the Beach family;
I'm very sorry to hear about Shirley's passing. She was my music teacher at SJHS and a very kind and funny teacher. I'll always remember how she encouraged me to sing and enjoy music. You'll be in my prayers - God bless you.
Thank you Shirley for all your kindess!!
Maria

Peter Vincent

September 24, 2007

Shirley and I taught together at Shaker in the late 70's, when I was a fresh out of college teacher. I never would have gotten through those early years without her friendship, support and cheer. We've stayed in touch all these many years, and am so sorry to hear of her passing. Her charm, music, laughter and irreverent good humor will be missed.

Joyce Lovell Anglin

September 23, 2007

Thalia, James and Dennis
Shirley will always have a place in my heart with memories of being classmates and friends during our years at Odessa Central. I will always remember her as being a sweet older sister to "the boys" while we were growing up. Even in high school, her musical talents were evident. I will miss seeing her at our 50th high school reunion next year, but know that she is at peace and is now with God.

Carol Rosenthal

September 23, 2007

My two daughters had Shirley as their music teacher at Boght Hills School in the late eighties. As an involved volunteer parent, I had the pleasure of working with and getting to know Shirley through her productions of concerts and plays, and appreciated her musical knowledge and teaching talents. My most lasting memory of Shirley was and always will be the song, “Let Their Be Peace of Earth”. She ended every Winter Holiday Concert with that song, and it brought tears to my eyes every year. Whenever I hear that song now, I think of Shirley and the sweet sounds of the children singing it. Both my husband David and I were so sad to read of her passing and extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends.

Dave and Jeanne Dougherty

September 23, 2007

Thalia, Jim and Dennis,
So sorry to hear about Shirley. We were close during our school days at OM and growing up on Church Street in Odessa. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.

Noah Rosenstein

September 23, 2007

It was with the greatest sadness that I learned of Shirley’s passing. She will be remembered as a loving, talented educator who always saw the best in her students. As a colleague she will be remembered as a team player who was the first to volunteer to help. She will be missed by all who knew her.

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