Shirley (Hunt) DeCann

Geneva – Shirley (Hunt) DeCann, 95, of Geneva, NY passed away on February 26, 2022 after an amazingly long and independent life. Shirley was born on June 25, 1926 to William and Kathryn Hunt in Stanley, NY. After graduating from Gorham High School in 1944, she went on to study at Freeman’s Business Institute.

In 1945, she met James E. DeCann, who would be her one-and-only true love. They wed in August 1946 and had two children, Bruce and Kathryn. Shirley retired from Mello-Rich on Hamilton Street in Geneva, but her ‘real’ job was making sure her family had all the love, guidance and care they needed.

Shirley and Jim lived for many years on Seneca Lake where some of their favorite memories were made, including weekend sleepovers with her Grandchildren, Sunday picnics and spending quality time with friends and family.

Shirley is survived by her Son, Bruce (Jane) DeCann, Daughter, Kathryn (Tom) Alpaugh; Best Friend, Beverly (June) Earing; Granddaughters, Amy (Jeff) Taney, Heather (Peter) Leblond, Elizabeth Smirnoff; and six wonderful Great Grandchildren who had the fortune to know and love her for the majority of two decades.

Much can be learned from Shirley and the way she chose to experience life. She faced every day with resilience and a positive attitude. Shirley was grateful for what she had, needed very little to be happy, and complaints were rare.  In fact, she even attempted to influence her family to ‘do better’ up until her last moments. The last thing she said was “Life would be a lot better if we could all just get along.”

A special thanks to the staff at Geneva’s Living Center North for the excellent love and care they provided Shirley and to the Geneva Emergency Room Staff for their kindness.   Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Kenneth J. Perkins Funeral Home, Gorham, NY. A private burial will be held in Little Church Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Shirley’s name can be made to Seneca #9 Presbyterian Church, 4414 Number Nine Road, Stanley, NY 14561; or to the American Cancer Society, 1120 South Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14620.