Shirley Mae Greene

VOORHEESVILLE - Shirley Mae Greene, 86 passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Brightview Senior Living, Warren, NJ. She lived in Voorheesville, NY for more than 50 years before moving to NJ.

Born in Albany, New York she was the beloved wife of late Waldo “Wally” R. Greene; daughter of late Leroy and Eleanor Vanderburgh and sister of the late Ronald Vanderburgh.

Shirley is survived by her daughters Cindy (Glen) Curley and Sherrie West; grandchildren, Brian (Jessie) Curley, Jason (Lauren) Curley and Allison Curley and great grandchildren, Owen, Reilly, Lucy, Ethan, Molly, and William Curley. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Emily (Greene) Laraway and nieces, Debbie (Dean) Sweet, Laurie (Ray) Cerrone and Kim (Charles) Mallary.

Shirley, a 1956 graduate of Milne High School in Albany, followed in her father’s footsteps and became a talented pianist appearing on the local TV show Teenage Barn during her high school years. She went on to teach piano for more than 50 years, teaching countless students with varying degrees of interest spanning from extracurricular activities to some who went on to make music their chosen profession. Shirley and Wally owned Van Curler Music Co. in Albany.

One of Shirley’s greatest joys (along with Wally) was spending time with family and friends at the family cottage on Lake St. Catherine in Vermont; a cherished tradition now shared across 5 generations. While there, she enjoyed family boat rides, evening walks, gardening, and sipping gin and tonics in a tall glass on the deck. Her home in Voorheesville was full of antique treasures found at auctions in Vermont and refinished with love.

Shirley was a passionate dog lover and dog breeder. During her lifetime she raised Bassett Hounds and Yorkshire Terriers. Her most recent love was Lacy, who was by her side during her time at Brightview.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brightview Senior Living and Life Hospice for their compassionate care and warm hearts.

The red geraniums featured at her service will be a tribute to Shirley’s favorite flower.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie, N.Y., with a service to immediately follow at 11 a.m. Inurnment will take place at Memory Gardens in Colonie.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewComerAlbany.com