Obituary of Shirley M. Palen

Shirley Marie Palen, born in Ira, NY on May 24, 1932, daughter of Wilbur K. Mapley and Doris VanNostrand Mapley, passed away February 6, 2025 peacefully at her home on Otisco Lake, NY due to complications of Alzheimer's Disease.

Shirley was a graduate of Port Byron High School class of 1953 and later graduated from business school in Auburn, NY. She was a municipal officer and Village Clerk of Marcellus, retiring after 24 years of service. Shirley reinvented herself moving to California and working in the payroll department for one of Northern California's largest hospitals where she retired after 10 years of service.

Her passions were her love of animals and nature, an avid supporter of the S.P.C.A. Shirley's hobbies included ceramics, decoupage and freestyle art. She enjoyed traveling and had many adventures, celebrating a birthday at the Eiffel Tower and touring Alaska on a family vacation.

She is survived by her son Rodney A. Palen of Otisco Lake and her daughter Cheryl (Patrick) McElroy of San Martin, CA; treasured grandsons Matthew Michael (Sloane) McElroy and Casey Tyler McElroy; beloved great-grandchildren Walker, Harlow and Sage McElroy. Shirley is lovingly remembered by her brother James (Elizabeth) Mapley; sister Linda (Ron) Millus and sister-in-law Patricia Mapley, as well as several nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by her father in 1975, her mother in 2004, youngest brother Richard Mapley in 2020 and younger brother Wilbur Mapley in 2025

Shirley was a force of nature, never backing down to a challenge. Her strength and perseverance served her well through her life. From humble beginnings she accomplished herself as a savvy businesswoman, establishing properties and residence in California, Florida and New York, with her beloved home for over 60 years on Otisco Lake.

Shirley will be remembered for her generous heart, compassion and kindness, but most of all for her beautiful smile.

A Celebration-of-Life to be announced at a later date.