Obituary of Shirley A. Thurston

Vernon-Shirley A. Thurston passed away peacefully Thursday evening August 21, 2025 at her home with her family at her side at the age of 81.

She was born in Oneida, NY on April 11, 1944 a daughter of the late Arthur and Gladys Hubbard and attended Oneida High Schools

Shirley was joined in marriage with George F. Thurston on September 8, 1962.

Shirley cared for her husband and four children which kept her schedule busy with a variety of activities like Brownies, 4H, Little League, Scouts and dance lessons.

In 1982 Shirley was granted a small business loan and started her own company Shirl-Lynns selling recital and costume apparel specializing in dance, skate and activewear. The company grew from one local store to three retail stores and one outlet. In ten years, the business grew from one employee to eighteen employees and added five sales representatives.

Shirley most enjoyed Sunday dinners and spending time with her grandchildren and being around the pool where all family and friends were welcome.

Surviving is her daughters Marney (Gary) Rowland, Dawn (Cliff) Fritzen and son George Jr. (Teresa) Thurston, grand kids, George (2Bubba), Samantha (Brad), Michelle (Matt), Matthew, Ashley (Joe), James Jr. (Kimi), Jesse, Jonathan, Tammie, Brandy (Deandre) and Jaden. Great-grand kids, Collin, Jacob, Paul (PJ), Noah, Ethan, Elliot, Adelaide, Rylan, Finnian, Liam and Eliana and, son-in-law Joe Graff.

She was predeceased by her husband George F., daughter Amy Elizabeth Graff, brothers, Phillip, Arthur and Clinton Hubbard, sisters Josephine, Ruth, Beverly, June (Bug), Carol and Gloria.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday August 25, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 23 Front Street, Vernon, NY. A funeral service will be held Monday at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral Home with Pastor David W. Johnson officiating. Burial will be Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in Valley View Cemetery, 1776 Middle Road. In memory of Shirley please send donations to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY, 13413. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com