Shirley Blakeman

Shirley Patricia Rosenthal Blakeman, 80, of Cropseyville, NY, passed away peacefully at her home on November 19, 2025, after a long illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 5, 1945, in Bristol, Pennsylvania, Shirley was the daughter of the late Willys and Florence (Smith) Rosenthal. She graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1963 and went on to earn her nursing degree from Putnam Memorial Hospital Nursing School in Bennington, Vermont, in 1964. Her dedication to caring for others defined her life’s work. Shirley served as a nurse for Dr. Michael Shaughnessy in Troy, NY, for 20 years and later at Community Care Pediatrics in Clifton Park, NY, before retiring. For more than 30 years, Shirley was a faithful member of The Church of the Holy Name in Boyntonville, NY.

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband, Douglas Blakeman, whom she married in 1978. She was also preceded in death by her brother Ronald Rosenthal and his wife Jan, and by her siblings’ spouses Ted Standing and Louise Rosenthal, her nephew Kevin, and her grandson Nathan.

She is survived by her loving children: Scott (Jackie) and Eric (Heather); and her stepchildren: Aaron (Kim) and Christy. Her cherished grandchildren include Samantha, Kara, Logan, and Lilyana; and her adored great-grandchildren Jaxson, Ryleigh, and Evelyn. Shirley also leaves behind her sister Norma Standing, brother Bruce Rosenthal, and several nieces and nephews Brian, William, Kirsten, Jared and James, who held a special place in her heart. She is also survived by her dear brother- and sister-in-law, William and Donna Blakeman.

Her life was centered around family, and she treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She loved traveling and vacationing with them, especially trips to the ocean, Maine being her favorite destination.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 29, at 11:00 a.m. at Brunswick Church, 42 White Church Lane, Troy, NY. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to a charity of your choice in Shirley’s memory.

Shirley will be remembered for her kindness, devotion, and unwavering love for her family. Her gentle spirit and caring nature touched all who knew her, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she loved.

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