Obituary of Shirley J. Cafarelli

Schenectady – Shirley Groff Cafarelli, passed away peacefully in her home, on December 11, 2024. She was surrounded in love, by her three daughters, Chris, Terri and Karen; at the age of 91. She was the devoted and loving wife to husband, George and shared 66 years of marriage, before his passing in 2019. Shirley was born in Schenectady on April 20, 1933, the daughter of Frank and Wanda (Yanoski) Groff. Shirley was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School. She had worked through the years as a Sales Associate at several stores, including Myer's Children Store, David's Fashion and McLane's Pharmacy Gift Shop. She took great pride in raising her family first. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading and doing puzzles. She especially enjoyed family vacations, spending time on the beach at the Jersey shore and Kennebunkport, Maine. Shirley was a longtime parishioner of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church. Shirley is survived by her three daughters, Christine (Jim) Roberge, Terri Cafarelli and Karen Cafarelli Smith; the grandmother of four grandsons, Randy (Elaine) Bird, Philip and the late Matthew Roberge and Ryan Smith; one great-grandson, Easton Bird; sister-in-law, Ruth Groff, brother-in-law, Fr. Francis Cafarelli and several nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by her brother, Robert Groff and in-laws, Daniel and Sylvia Cafarelli. Funeral service will be held on Friday, December 20, 9:00 a.m., at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1803 Union St., Niskayuna, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. The family will receive family and friends after the mass. Entombment for Shirley and George will follow, at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley's memory, to The Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or to Mass. General Pedi-Hem-One, c/o Dr. Howard Weinstein Department Pedi-Hem, 55 Fruit St., Yawkey 8B, Boston, MA 02114.