Obituary of Shirley A. Ray
Shirley A. Ray passed away peacefully at age 79, surrounded by her family on February 18, 2019 after a 44 year long courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Chuck Ray, children Debbie (Stephen) Wait, Angie (Jeff) Loyall, Laurie (Jason) Aldred, Chuck (Heather) Ray; and the joys of her life Michael, Daniel and Mitchell Loyall; Joshua and Jessica Aldred, Dylan, Christian and Ethan Ray.
Shirley was born in Washington Court House, OH and later moved to Dayton, OH where she met the love of her life. After their high school graduation, they began their life journey in Cuba where Chuck was stationed with the US Navy. Upon discharge they moved back to Dayton and 11 moves later landed in Pittsford, NY where they have resided since 1981.
Shirley worked for a short time in the Pittsford Central School District and was an active member of the Pittsford Women’s Club, the Century Club of Rochester and St. Louis Church. Shirley enjoyed cooking, reading, bowling, card games, a good cup of coffee and a good joke. Her greatest pleasure in life was being a wife and an amazing mom to her four children and an incredible grandma to her 8 beautiful grandchildren. She was affectionately known to them as Fifi and Nanny.
Shirley will be remembered for her beautiful bright eyes and warm gentle smile that lit up a room. She was a friend to everyone she met and had the unique ability to make every person feel comfortable and as though they were a part of her family.
Through all of her surgeries, treatments, set-backs and pain, Shirley always had that beautiful smile on her face. She had a will of steel and a strong faith that helped her fight to the end. The family would like to thank the numerous doctors and nurses that have helped her fight this fight with respect and dignity. A special thank you to Dr. Geoff Morris and Dr. Ed Messing.
A Mass to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held Monday, February 25, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Louis Church of Pittsford (64 South Main Street).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Good Days and Special Times. Online donations can be made at https://www.campgooddays.org/donation.
