Shirley J. Jackson

Savannah: On April 5, 2015, Shirley Jackson, 81, formerly of Savannah, passed away at the Huntington Living Center after an extended illness with her family at her side.

Shirley was born in Savannah, NY to H. Arthur and Florence (O'Connor) Foster. She graduated from Clyde Central and from Ithaca College with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. She touched the lives of so many children and families as a 2nd grade teacher at Savannah Elementary for 20 years. She also taught piano to many students and adults until her illness in 1991. Her recitals had the whole community involved!

She carried over her love for music by bringing home interesting musical trinkets from the many traveling experiences she had with her husband prior to her illness. Shirley's most exotic vacation was watching tribal ceremonies in New Guinea! Her favorite vacation, however, was spent with her family in St. Maarten over Thanksgiving breaks.

Anyone who knew her also appreciated her love of animals, especially felines—exotic or domestic! She raised and attended shows with her Siamese and Himalayan cats. Most of her vacations would include a visit to a local zoo or wildlife rehabilitation center or a safari or camel/elephant ride!

Shirley leaves behind her daughter, Trena Fisher; her son, Trevor (Sharon) Jackson; her brother, Norman Foster; grandchildren: Arthur Cole (Victoria Chalker), Logan (Jessica) Cole, Jamie Fisher, Amber (Patrick) Higgins, Tiffiny (William) Cahoon, Tori Jackson (Seth Durell), Tyanna Seelbinder, and Tyler Jackson; her sister-in-law, Lucile DeGraw; a niece, Holly Foster; and nephews Darrell (Jackie) Foster, Kevin (Tamara) DeGraw, Douglas (Angel) DeGraw, and Alan DeGraw. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren: Adelyn and Ryker Cole, Aeryn and Ellie Higgins, Calvin Cahoon, Greyson Durell, and Aiden and Ashton Seelbinder.

Shirley is predeceased by her husband, Dale R. Jackson, and her parents, H. Arthur and Florence L. Foster. Her mother, Florence, passed away on Feb. 14th of this year.

A combined Memorial Service will be held on May 17th at 1 PM at the Seneca Falls United Methodist Church for both Shirley and her mother, Florence Foster. Memorial contributions to Beverly's Animal Shelter, 50 E. River Rd. in Waterloo, NY 13165, or to your favorite charity would be an appreciated, kind gesture.