Obituary of Shirley Jennings Thomas

Shirley Jennings Thomas, 96, passed away April 13, 2018.  She was born in Schenectady, the daughter of Marvel and Clair Jennings.  

Growing up, Shirley spent her summers in the hamlet of Hawkinsville in the house where her great-grandfather had run a store for the "canawlers" traveling the Black River Canal.  The house had no electricity or running water, but she loved it dearly.  Her reminiscences have been recorded for the canal museum in Boonville. 

Shirley graduated from Nott Terrace High School and the New York State College for Teachers in Albany, where she earned her MA.  She taught high school English and ran the library in Glenfield, N.Y., before moving on to Hoosick Falls High School.  She later worked for the New York State Education Department editing Regents exams. 

Shirley was an enthusiastic member of the Otyokwa outings club in Schenectady, spending many happy weekends in the Adirondacks hiking, canoeing, birding, square dancing and making lifelong friendships.  It was there she met Charlie Thomas; they married in 1953. 

Shirley had a love for nature, folklore, local history, and was a voracious reader.  She knitted and crocheted for family, friends and charities until arthritis interfered, but continued to enjoy her books and the NYT crossword puzzle. She was a prolific writer of letters and short memoir pieces, and was proud to have an article published in Adirondack Life at age 91.  She very much enjoyed her writers groups at the Burnt Hills Library. 

Shirley taught Sunday school, volunteered with Girl Scouts, the PTA, the Pashley School library, the YWCA and in collections at the Schenectady Museum for 40 years. 

She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Charlie; and her brother, Dale Jennings. She is survived by her son, Alan and his wife Rosemary of Wappingers Falls; daughter Susan of Rutland, Vt.; and grandchildren Robert and Katherine Thomas. 

The family would like to thank Beth, Tracy, Sunita, and Paula, whose caring support allowed Shirley to maintain her independence. Treasured by her friends and family for her sense of humor, enquiring mind and cheerful outlook she will be deeply missed by all. 

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Schenectady Museum (miSci), the YWCA, the Boonville Black River Canal Museum or a charity of your choice.