Shirley J. Kelsey

Boonville – Shirley J. Kelsey, 77, of Many Drive, widow of David L., passed away on August 29, 2024 in the comfort of her home.

Shirley was born on July 4, 1947 in Utica, NY, a daughter of Adolph and Victoria Topa Kopack. She grew up in Port Leyden where she received her education, graduating from Port Leyden High School with the Class of 1965. She continued her education, obtaining her registered nurses degree from SUNY Morrisville.

Through her nursing career, Shirley was employed at Sunset Nursing Home, Boonville, before employment as Nursing Director of the Boonville for Upstate Cerebral Palsy. Following, she was employed for several years at Central New York Psychiatric Center, Marcy. For several years, her last employment was as a registered nurse, for Adirondack Central School, first at Forestport Elementary and then at the high school, in Boonville.

On September 12, 1969, Shirley was united in marriage with David L. Kelsey. Thereafter the couple settled on Kolasa Road, Boonville, where they raised their family. Mr. Kelsey a former superintendent of highways for the Town of Boonville passed away on January 26, 1998.

Many fond memories were made camping with her family in the Adirondacks. She was an avid collector of various types of glassware. In recent years, Shirley enjoyed her role as a grandmother, attending her grandchildren’s various sporting events, plays, and concerts. She greatly enjoyed baking and providing for her family. One of her baking specialties was making Bobka.

She is survived by her daughter: Connie (Clint) Zimmerman of Holland Patent and their children William and Kelsey, and her son: Kevin (Amy) Kelsey and their sons David and Tyler; a brother in law, Edward Burdick and family, of Webster, NY; two nieces, Ann Burdick and family, New York City and Mary Burdick and family, Webster. Besides her husband David, she was predeceased by her sister Sylvia Burdick.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, followed by interment in Turin Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Saturday from 10:00 am until the funeral service. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Boonville Fire Company Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box #164, Boonville, New York 13309.