Obituary of Shirley W. Pritchard

Shirley Williamson Pritchard, age 93 and born in Utica, New York on February 4, 1931, passed away on June 18, 2024.  Shirley was the daughter of Alexander Robert Williamson and Genevieve Law Williamson and a proud graduate of Utica Catholic Academy.  In 1950, she married Howard J. Pritchard, and they had a blessed marriage for 50 years.  Shirley was predeceased by Howard who passed away on June 24, 2000, their son Michael J. Pritchard in 2014, and her brothers James and John.   Shirley and Howard raised a family of five children and they both were proud of each of them. Shirley often shared with her family that ‘she loved being a Mom.’

Shirley enjoyed her work over the years at the New York Telephone Company, and in the offices of Doctors John B. Luden and Richard E. Savery.

Her faith was very important to her and she was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Church, Rome, New York. She impacted the lives of many as she taught religious education, served as a Eucharistic Minister, visited the sick of the parish and worked with Laotian refugees in Rome.  In December 2012, Shirley was the recipient of the Immaculata Award presented by Bishop Cunnigham at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse, New York, honoring her years of faithful service at St. Paul’s Church and the wider community.

She leaves behind to continue to celebrate her life, son Paul S. Pritchard, wife Michelle and their children Sarah (fiancé Anthony Wheeler) and Michael; son David J. Pritchard, wife Robin and their daughters Lauren Escobar (Rolando) and Nicole; son Steven D. Pritchard and wife Stephanie Hahn; daughter Therese Williamson, husband Craig and their son Andrew; her sister Mary Schultz (Roy); several nieces and nephews and many close friends.

Special thanks to Dr. Cotronea & staff, Bethany Gardens staff, nurses and aides, the Nascentia Staff (especially Kory Buckley, her Nascentia physical therapist) along with Madeline Timpano, Jenn Fields, Darlene Skidmore,  and other medical professionals for their care over the years.

Additionally, dear friends Debbie Myslinski, Betty Leighton, Joan Herr, and many friends who wrote her notes  and visited her.  Shirley always appreciated the special and joyful visits and conversations, over the decades, by niece Susan and Allan Resman.   Additionally appreciated were the regular visits by Ashley and Andrew Stella, for their gift of time and generosity.  Their children Hazel, Ben and Jack brought so much joy to Shirley – especially bringing handmade crafts and calling her ‘Grandma Shirley.’

In lieu of flowers, Shirley requested memorial gifts be made to St. Paul’s Church Social Ministry Fund or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome NY 13440.   There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul’s Church, 1807 Bedford Street, Rome, New York, will be held on Monday, June 24 at 11:00 am with a light reception following.  There will be a private burial at Rome Cemetery.

You may view the obituary and send the family a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.