Shirley A. Clifford

Rochester: Passed away on February 26, 2022. Shirley is predeceased by her parents, Jacob & Ida; sister, Diane. She is survived by her children, Neil (Michele Pealer) Clifford & Denise Clifford; grandchildren, Jacob Gildemeister, Roan McManus & Ella McManus; feline friend, Sadie.

Shirley was known for her witty character and was able to create friends out of strangers instantly. A celebration of her life will be held on her birthday, August 9, 2022 at a time to be announced. Donations may be made to the Lollipop Farm Spay and Neuter Program, 99 Victor Rd, Fairport, NY 14450 in Shirley Clifford's name.

Shirley was an outspoken individual who was known for speaking her mind, regardless if the truth hurt or not. Many people knew her for the advice she would give while going through personal trials. She never let anyone give up on themselves, and would remind you to get yourself up, get your big kid pants on, and do what needs to be done.

Shirley was an avid animal lover. It was well known that any strays who wandered past took up camp wherever Shirley was. This isn't just true for animals, but as her children were teenagers, it wasn't abnormal for Shirley to wake up and find "more mouths to feed." She was home to many kindred souls and had an innate ability to reach those who needed her raw uncensored ways in which she told you that you mattered.

She loved her children, her grandchildren, her pets, and her very close friends. This loyalty and commitment to friends is what created her extended family. To Shirley, friends were your backbone just as much as family. If you ever met Shirley she would leave an impression.

Shirley despised fake people and had no problem voicing this. She never would let anyone treat the people she loved as if they were better or worse. Shirley taught those around her that everyone is to be treated equally, unless they prove they don't deserve it. She was a straight shooter, and she wasn't fooled by fake. She surrounded herself with people who, like her, were true to self.

Shirley was born August 9, 1946 in Rochester, NY to Jacob and Ida Kramer. She was the youngest of two daughters. Her older sister, Diane, who passed previously, became her best friend later in life. Because of their age difference, Shirley was the tag along that Diane tried to leave behind at home. Yet, at the request of their parents, she would take Shirley along on the bus route that took them from Joseph Avenue to Charlotte Beach. This relationship got closer as the sisters grew older. Diane and Shirley became so close that they traveled together and resided out west in Nevada for a few years, before Shirley came back to her roots in Rochester.

Shirley graduated high school and became certified as a beautician. After earning her certification, she created a small clientele in the community she resided in Sodus Point, NY in the 1970's.

Shirley had 2 children, Neil G. Clifford Jr. (Michele Pealer) and Denise Clifford. She was very proud of her children, and she tried to instill the same sense of honesty and work ethic in them. Shirley also had 3 grandchildren. Jacob R. Gildemeister (Elena Gildemeister), Roan A. McManus, and Gabriella (Ella) J. McManus. She thought the world of her grandchildren, and was proud of all of their accomplishments.

Shirley wore many hats as she was raising her children; from hairdresser, to jewelry consultant and sales person, to Avon representative, the list goes on and on. Shirley retired as a bus driver, where she transported children with disabilities, which she was extremely passionate about.

Shirley will be remembered by many great friends she made through her journey in life. I'm sure there are quotes that each of us will hear Shirley speaking to us when we need to hear them most.