Shirley A. 'Kavanagh' Savage Obituary (1937

Shirley Savage, 78, passed away peacefully with her family surrounding her on February 19th, 2016 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, NY after a brief illness. Shirley Ann Kavanagh was born December 4th, 1937. She was the youngest of three children born to Vincent and Katherine (Edwards) Kavanagh. She graduated from Holy Ghost Academy in 1955 and went on to Potsdam Business School. She worked for the Elliot Hardwood Company. Shirley was married to her lifelong companion, Gerald Savage, on September 25th, 1960 at St. Alphonsus Church by Monsignor Domina Breault. Shirley devoted much of her life to being a homemaker and mother in addition to dedicated service to her community and church. She worked tirelessly to help anyone in need whether they were family, friends, neighbors, or complete strangers. Her greatest joys were time with family and quietly helping others. She was an active member of St. Alphonsus - Holy Name of Jesus Church including serving as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. She supported many charities and was passionate about helping children. Mrs. Savage is survived by her loving husband Gerald Savage, six children Michael and his wife Lynette, Mary Ellen Snyder and her husband Joel, Maureen Harriman and her husband George, John and his wife Dee of Cicero, NY, David and his partner Clifford Ruffner of St. Petersburg, FL, and Christopher and his wife Melissa. Shirley and Jerry were foster parents for many years, the longest being sharing their love with Jocelyn Roberge of Saranac Lake. Much joy was brought to her life by her twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Stanley Moody and sister-in-law Leona Kavanagh as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her sister Patricia Moody and her brother Gerald Kavanagh. Calling hours will be at the Stuart, Fortune, Keough Funeral Home on Monday, February 22nd from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Her life will be celebrated at a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, February 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Church.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to her favorite charities, St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the National Right to Life Foundation.