SHIRLEY SCARAFIOTTI
March 18, 1931
- December 29, 2023
Shirley Scarafiotti, a long-time resident of Santa Fe, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Scottsdale, Arizona, on December 29, 2023, at the age of 92. Shirely was born on March 18, 1931, in Chanute, Kansas, to Cora McKinney and Charles Fry. She spent her early childhood in Missouri and moved to Belen, NM, in the 6th grade. She was a high school majorette and, in 1949, graduated from Estancia High School.
Following high school, Shirely went to Western Union Telegraph School in Kansas City, MO, and moved to Santa Fe for her first job. She grew to love Santa Fe. On September 14, 1950, she married Nick Scarafiotti, and together they raised three daughters.
For over 30 years, Shirley worked for a variety of state government agencies, including the Highway Dept., the Attorney General’s Office, and the Governor’s Office. In 1986, she retired from state government as the Chief of Staff for Governor Toney Anaya. She was active in the Democratic Party of New Mexico and continued to work in the private sector for the next 20 years. She was also a founding member of The First Baptist Church of Santa Fe on the Old Pecos Trail.
Shirley was fun and unforgettable. Whether serving as the “Hostess” of Santa Fe or a volunteer at Vacation Bible School, she made friends easily. She cared about people and often helped those in need without asking for recognition. She loved dancing with her husband, singing with her girls, reading cookbook recipes, and reading her Bible to share the good news of salvation.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Nick, a daughter, Dina Scarafiotti, five sisters, and two brothers. She is survived by her two daughters, Nikki Shed and Vikki Scarafiotti, two granddaughters, and three great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life is planned for April 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Santa Fe.
In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Shirley’s practice of tithing and philanthropy, please consider a gift to The First Baptist Church of Santa Fe or a charity of your choosing in her honor.