Obituary of Shirley Karpiniski

Shirley Ann Kinney Karpinski

Shirley Karpinski passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 24th with her family by her side.

Shirley was born in Otisco, NY, on December 5, 1937. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Edward Karpinski of nearly 64 years. Shirley was a devoted mother to Sharon Decker (JD) of Fleming, NY, Thomas (Christine Hrib) of Austin, TX, Kathleen of Auburn, NY, and Daniel of Baldwinsville, NY. She was a caring grandmother to Zachary of Ashburn, VA, Ashley Bacon (Dave) of Auburn, NY, Sean Decker of Rochester NY, and great-grandson, Brody Bacon. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Barbara Kinney (Knoxville, TN) and Cheryl Karpinski (Tully, NY), brother-in-law James Mowatt (Dalzell, SC), and several nieces and a nephew.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents Joseph Kinney and Arlone Kinney (Lanning), her brother Harold Kinney, and sisters Thelma Mowatt and Marion Kinney.

Shirley attended a one room schoolhouse in Otisco, NY until the fourth grade. She graduated from Tully High School in 1955. After graduating, Shirley worked for the Red Cross and moved to Syracuse. During this time, while vacationing on Otisco Lake, she met her future husband Ed. They married in September 1960.

 
With four kids, a house, a dog, a cat, and a stream of our friends coming in and out, Mom had her hands full. She was a devoted mother. 

Shirley enjoyed bowling, Syracuse University sports, and the clean-shaven New York Yankees. Shirley and Ed loved weekend traveling with the Coachmen Motorhome Club. She enjoyed entertaining, especially Sunday afternoon barbecues and holiday gatherings. She was a communicant of the Saint Michael-Saint Peter’s Church and a member of the church choir.
 

When Shirley’s children were older, she worked part-time for Simmons School of Mortuary Science and later for Laubach Literacy where she especially enjoyed working with the younger generation of women. In her retirement years she delighted in providing doggy daycare to all of the family’s dogs.
 

Shirley loved to socialize, whether it be at a Round and Square dance at St. Patrick’s Hall in her youth, a wedding, a funeral, or just running into an old friend at the grocery store. She might talk your ear off and you would thoroughly enjoy the experience. 

Shirley will be remembered for her sense of humor, quick wit, and countless facial expressions. You always knew what she was thinking. Shirley had the genuine ability to laugh at herself.

                    Shirley was a Joy!

Calling hours for Shirley will be at Edward J Ryan and Son’s funeral home on Monday, July 29th, from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Funeral services at 11:00 am at Saint Michael’s Church (Onondaga Hill) on Tuesday, July 30th.

Contributions can be made to ECHO Meals on Wheels West Inc. at 4600 West Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13219.