Shirley Marie Shaw, 73, of Endicott, New York, passed away at home on April 1, 2026, with her daughters and son-in-law by her side, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1952, Shirley carried something of that sacred season within her all her life: a quiet light, a steadfast faith, and a heart that gave of itself without asking for attention. A longtime member of the Assembly of God, her devotion was not only something she believed, but something she lived. It could be seen in her endurance, in her compassion, and in the way she met life, even in its hardest moments, with strength and grace.

Shirley retired from BAE Systems after more than 20 years of dedicated service. Beyond her work, she found joy in the ordinary blessings of life: crocheting, trying new foods and recipes, and caring for the cats she affectionately called her "babies." Her love for animals reached far beyond her home. It lived in the small, revealing kindnesses that told you exactly who she was, like stopping to help a turtle cross the road simply because its life mattered to her too. That was Shirley: tender-hearted, funny, resilient, and deeply human.

She was a woman of sharp wit and unmistakable spirit, someone who could face hardship without surrendering herself to it. She carried a strength that did not always announce itself loudly, but was felt by those around her in countless ways. She was loved by many, and her presence left an imprint that will not fade with her passing.

She was predeceased by her mother, Marion Shaw; her father, John Sinchak; and her beloved brother, John Shaw.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rachelle and Michael Tompkins; her daughter, Anjanette Spivey; her grandchildren, Haleigh Jayde Doetschman, Hannah Getchell, Chandlar Courtright, Rebekah Courtright, Michael Mann Jr., and Taziah Mann; several nieces and nephews; and her cherished cats, Pun'kin and Pepper.

Though her earthy journey has ended, Shirley's presence will not be measured only by her absence, but by all that remains because she was here. Her faith, her strength, her laughter, and her love will continue to echo through the lives she shaped. She will be carried forward in memory, held in grace, and treasured always by those who had the blessing of knowing her.

Family will receive visitors at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, 300 E. Main Street, Endicott, New York, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with a service to follow at 2 p.m.