MARYLAND – Shirley I. Pye, 89, passed away at home on June 3, 2014.


She was born May 15, 1925 in Utica, the daughter of Edwin and Irene (McLaughlin) Tibbitts.


She married Ralph E. Pye on May 1, 1948 in New Hartford.


Following High School graduation Shirley continued her education at the Faxton School of Nursing. She worked in hospital and nursing homes and was the epitome of a nurse who always put the welfare of her patients first. She retired as a Registered Nurse at the age of 63. During retirement she and her husband enjoyed traveling and visiting all 49 states except Hawaii. They were also avid rock hunters, collecting many gem stones.

Shirley loved family time and supported her children's interests and activities throughout the years. She enjoyed reading, and watching animals and birds. She was a member of the Schenevus VFW Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph E. Pye of Maryland; children, Dale and Frank Capristo of Maryland, Charles and Diane Pye of Colorado City, CO, Beverly and Eric Eisenacher of Harrisburg, PA and Steven and Margaret Pye of New Hartford; grandchildren, Frank III, Anthony, Beth Ann, Thomas, Joseph, Jamie, Lynsie, Erica, Karl, Steven II, Jessica, Mike and Erica; 8 great-grandchildren; a sister, Nancy Burns of New Hartford; sister-in laws Florence Senif and Eleanor Tibbitts and several nieces and nephews.


She was predeceased by two sisters, Elaine and Marilyn and a brother, Charles.


Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. with the memorial service at 7 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2014 at the Heller Funeral Home, 25 Arch St., Schenevus, with the Rev. Judith A. Thistle officiating.


Donations may be sent to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454
Alexandria, VA 22312, American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005, or the Susquehanna SPCA, 4845 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.


Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.hellerfuneralhome.com