Obituary of Shirley Tietz

Shirley Ann Tietz Burnt HillsA loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Shirley Ann Tietz was lifted up by the angels on Monday, Oct. 21. Shirley, 75 years of age, courageously fought a battle with cancer with strong and sustained support from her family, friends, doctors, nurses and many other caring people. Shirley was born in Schenectady and lived in the area her entire life. Shirley graduated from Scotia High School and worked her entire career for the U.S. Department of Energy, Schenectady Naval Reactors (SNR) Office, retiring in March 1996 after 35 years of distinguished service. She started as a clerk/stenographer and after several successful career advancements, retired as a physical security specialist where she conducted on-site audits to improve SNR's and contractors' security programs. After several years in retirement, she took a part-time position as a cashier with Price Chopper, a job which she very much enjoyed until she became ill. During her illness, Shirley volunteered at Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where her daughter Ruth works, and Shirley later resided briefly. Shirley really enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She always enjoyed going out for a nice dinner, whether it was with friends or family. An avid bowler, Shirley participated in several leagues, later becoming a member of an online bowling team and never missing a tournament. Shirley also enjoyed spending summer days at the Great Sacandaga Lake, visiting with family, going to parties, playing competitive board games, and traveling to her brother and sister-in-law's home in Florida. When she wasn't traveling or socializing, she found true happiness and contentment being in her home with Sybil and Bijou, her beloved cats and curling up with a good novel. During her illness, Shirley's spirits were lifted by visits from her beloved nieces who live in Virginia, visits from family and friends, trips to the salon with her daughter, Ruth and lunches with her girlfriends. One of the most joyful moments of her life came during that time when she got to meet her great-granddaughter, Jocelynn. That moment and her big smile will always be remembered and cherished by her family. In her last days, Shirley received loving care from Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Scotia. She received many visitors, including her two furry grandchildren, Izzie and Kieran, miniature spaniels belonging to Ruth who give comfort to many residents and families at Baptist. Shirley leaves behind her brother, Herb Cole and his wife Beverly of Ormond Beach, FL; her daughter, Ruth Ann Tietz and Ruth's companion Dan Heim of Clifton Park; her daughter, Linda Kowatch of Virginia; her granddaughter, Ammie Thach; husband, Vinh and great-granddaughter Jocelynn of Haymarket, VA; granddaughter, Elizabeth Cruz of Woodbridge, VA; ex-husband and friend, Fred Tietz of Ballston Spa; and several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours are being held on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. Family members and friends of Shirley and her family are invited to console each other and share memories. Shirley's family is greatly indebted to all of her wonderful caregivers at Baptist, the nurses of Community Hospice and New York Oncology/Hematology, Dr. Bob Ringler and Chaplain Mark Chaffin of Baptist. Donations in Shirley's honor may be made to Baptist Health System Foundation, 297 North Ballston Ave., Scotia, NY 12302. Shirley's family hopes and prays for the day when cancer no longer takes a cherished life. Please visit our website for information, flowers and remembrances for Shirley. www.glenvillefuneralhome.com.