Letzelter, Shirley Louise
LOUDONVILLE — Shirley Louise Letzelter, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021, due to complications associated with COVID-19. She was surrounded by her three children and a granddaughter.
Born in Clearfield, Pa., she was a lifelong resident of the Capital District and the daughter of Elmira and Ira (Bruce) Parker; and the beloved wife of Joseph P. Letzelter (deceased).
Shirley was a housewife for many years raising her three children before she began a childcare service at her home. Over the years Shirley babysat many of her grandchildren and many other children all of which referred to her as Mrs. L and some even called her Mom. She provided loving care to all of those children as she did to everyone she came into contact with. In the late 1980s 2000s Shirley was a cashier at the local Grand Union supermarket where she made so many friends. During the 1990s Shirley took incredible care of her husband, Joseph Letzelter, who passed away from Parkinson’s disease in 1999. Shirley lived in her same home at 2 Twilight Terrace from 1960 until 2018 making lifelong friends with all her neighbors.
Shirley is survived by her three children, Joseph P. (Dianne) Letzelter Jr., Pamela (Al Madonna) Payette and Cindy (Mike) Smith; nine grandchildren: Heather Payette, Joseph (James Economides) P. Letzelter III MD, Justin Payette, Brianna (Jeremy) Murphy, Dalton Payette, Murphy, Dalton Payette, Haley (Frank Cuoccio) Smith, Lucas (Margaret Battles) Madonna, Michael Smith and Nicolas Smith; four great-grandchildren: Austin (Kailie Dupuis) Payette, Gabby Marshall, Lexi Sargent, Karma Lynn Peno; and one great-greatgrandchild: Colt Michael Payette. She is also survived by one brother and many nieces and nephews.
For the past three years Shirley lived at the Atria Shaker assisted living center where she made a close group of friends and as she put it "took everyone’s money playing bingo and cards." She loved to socialize, play games and stay busy.
Shirley was often described as the nicest, warmest person they knew who never a bad word had to say about anyone. Many people said that Shirley was so special and made my life happier just knowing her. She absolutely loved her family and was a big part of their lives.
All are welcome to come for calling hours at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie on Saturday, January 16, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at which time a Mass will be held. Entombment will follow the service in Memory Gardens. Gathering size within our chapels will be based on the most current N.Y.S. occupancy requirements. Masks are required, and social distancing is to be observed inside and outside of our chapels. A celebration of Shirley’s life will take place at her daughter’s house following the services.
For those who are unable to attend and want to view the services please use the following Zoom information to connect to live-streaming: zoom.us/j/97447937109?p WD=ELLPD3J3MDJETHR6S MPWT2ROK1LPUT09. Meeting ID: 974 4793 7109 Passcode: qzx50e.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
To leave a special message for the family online, visit Newcomeralbany.com.