Shirley Ann Stanford

KEESEVILLE | In Loving Memory of Shirley Ann Stanford, Feb. 21, 1937 – Sept. 17, 2025 Shirley Ann Stanford, 88, of Division Street, Keeseville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at the UVM Health Network, CVPH, in Plattsburgh, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, nurturing mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, beloved sister, and loyal friend—Shirley's love and kindness rippled through generations and communities. Her life was a tapestry of love, faith, laughter, and generosity. Born at the family home on Hallock Hill in Clinton County, Shirley was the daughter of Frank and Bertha (Abare) Blaise. In 1956, she married her sweetheart, Ronald L. Stanford, beginning a beautiful 68-year journey of partnership, devotion, and family. Together, they raised six children and found immeasurable joy in their 23 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A life filled with faith and service, Shirley's Catholic beliefs guided her with grace and strength. She was a devoted member of St. John's Catholic Church in Keeseville, where her beautiful voice filled the sanctuary with hymns that will echo in memory. She was a lifetime member and President of the Keeseville Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Post #1505, President of the National VFW Ladies Auxiliary and President of the St. John's Altar Rosary Society, President of the Keeseville Senior Citizens, Catholic Daughters of America, K of C Ladies Auxiliary. She also received the Keeseville Citizen of the Year Award. She was a volunteer at the PAFB Hospital, Meals on Wheels, the American Cancer Society, and the Board of Elections—always giving, always serving. A heart for home and a master in the kitchen, Shirley was known for her delicious meals and open-door hospitality. With love as the most important ingredient, she catered countless weddings and celebrations, not only with food but with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable memories—her presence turned every event into a celebration of love. She was a knitter of comfort, crafting thousands of dishcloths, hats for newborns, and cozy caps for cancer patients—each stitch a quiet act of care. She loved bingo, casinos, and card games, she always had a sparkle in her eye and a story to share. Shirley had a deep love for children and was the neighborhood "mom." She was a caretaker for many over the years, a Scout leader and was known for handing out $1 bills to children she met in public—a small gesture that left a lasting impression and brought smiles wherever she went. Her children and grandchildren will remember her for ALWAYS being there. Her life was one of resilience and love. As the wife of a career military man, Shirley moved many times, creating a home in each new place with grace and determination. Though the distance from her family was difficult, she did it without hesitation—always embracing each move with courage and love, making every new house a home. She found joy in life's simple pleasures—dinners out with family and friends, the sweet taste of Dunkin' Caramel Iced Coffee, and maple-frosted donuts (always without sprinkles). She cherished storytelling, often sharing vivid and heartfelt memories of loved ones who had passed. Her love for baking filled the air with the comforting aroma of apple pie and chocolate chip cookies—scents and flavors that will never be forgotten. Most of all, she treasured time with her grandchildren, playing games and teaching them new songs, creating moments that will live on in their hearts. She traveled by land and sea, living and visiting England, California, South Carolina, Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Florida, the Bahamas, and more—but her favorite destination was always wherever her family was, even if was traveling from California to New York in a station wagon, with six kids and a dog! Oh, the memories that were made on those cross-country trips! Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ronald; her parents, Frank and Bertha; her brothers, Wilfred (Elva), Roland, and Gary (Carol) Blaise; her sisters, Velma (Clarence) Young and Lorraine Bennage; and her daughter-in-law, Karen Stanford. She is survived by her six children and their spouses: Mark (Aleta) Stanford of Pulaski, N.Y.Becky (Corky) Newell of Morrisonville, N.Y.Kim (Randy) Ryan of Port Douglas, N.Y.Amy (Wayne) Mann of Glens Falls, N.Y.Stacy (Robert) Clark of Caledonia, N.Y.Michael (Kathy) Stanford of Keeseville, N.Y. She will be lovingly remembered by her 12 grandchildren: Breanne, Brittany, Brandon Stanford, Melissa (Pete) Newell, Jennifer (Tom) Haley, Heather (Joshua) Arthur, Jason (Kristen) Ryan, Brian (Lindsey) Mann, Stephen (Diana) Mann, Trevor Mann, Zachary (Kayla) Stanford, and Justin (Melissa) Stanford. Her 11 great-grandchildren— Hayden and Hallie Haley, Adlee, Paxton, Kenna Arthur, Remi, Ridge, Ranger Ryan, Avery Nearhos-Mann, Quinn Mann, and Ella Stanford—will carry her legacy forward in their hearts. Two step-great-grandchildren-Beth Peterson and Mason Soper. She is also survived by her sister and friend, Marion (Paul) Perrotte; brother-in-law Henry Bennage; brother-in-law Gary (Dolores) Stanford of Clinton, N.Y.; and sisters-in-law, Carol (Alan) Felder and Yvonne Bartlett of Redwood, N.Y.; along with many special cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends. Angels come in many forms—for us, it was our mother. Thank you, God, for giving us the most priceless of all treasures. Her spirit is stitched into the fabric of our lives. Heaven has gained another Angel. The family would like to extend our special thanks to the nurses and staff at Meadowbrook Nursing Home and CVPH Medical Center for their care of our mom and the Keyser Family . . . the neighbors who became family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. John's Church in Keeseville, with Rev. Clement Rimonds, HGN, officiating. Committal prayers and burial will follow at Port Douglas Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following at the Keeseville VFW Post #1505. Arrangements are in the care of Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Rd., Peru, N.Y.; (518) 643-9055. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley's name to the Keeseville Volunteer Fire Department and/or the St. John's Altar Rosary Society and/or the Keeseville Knights of Columbus.

Signup for our newsletter

Shirley Ann Stanford

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS