ANDOVER – Shirley V. Thorp, beloved Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma, passed away peacefully on Friday (June 16, 2023) at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville.
Shirley was born on February 9, 1939 in Andover to Francis and Sarah (Bly) Vickers. She was a 1958 graduate of Andover Central School. After high school, Shirley received her certification from the Comptometer School of Rochester. On August 13, 1960, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Donald F. Thorp, at the First Presbyterian Church of Andover. Don predeceased her on April 25, 2021.
Shirley briefly worked as a payroll clerk for Corbin’s in Hornell. After Don’s enlistment into the US Army, Shirley traveled to Fort Hood, Texas to be with Don. They returned to Andover in November of 1963, with their first child, Cynthia Marie, and started their life together and raising three daughters.
Shirley worked for Andover Drug Store for many years. After the closure of the drug store, she became an Andover Central School bus driver, driving bus until her retirement.
Shirley is survived by two daughters; Katherine (Timothy) Taylor of Bolivar and Debra (Gary) Slade of Andover; one sister, Jackie Mead of Spencerport; three brothers, Bruce Vickers of Rochester, Robert (Angela) Vickers of Texas and Dave (Patricia) Vickers of Florida; two brothers-in-law, Glenn Thorp and David (Mel) Thorp, both of Andover; four sisters-in-law; Carolyn (Ike) Rogers of Andover, Sandra (Everett) Haworth of Kansas, Noreen Scroggin of Wyoming, and Maureen (Gary) Swan of Pennsylvania; six grandchildren; Brittany (Andy) Cornell of Alfred Station, Courtney (Tom) Demetreu of Weechi Wachi, Fla., Kodi Taylor of Olean, Keegan (Sarah) Taylor of Angelica, and Kye Taylor of Bolivar; seven great-grandchildren, Conner Cornell, Derek Cornell, Ethan Cornell, James Demetreu, Hannah Demetreu, Thomas Demetreu, Charlotte Taylor and Eden Taylor; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband of 62 years, she was predeceased by her oldest daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Marie Thorp; a brother, Francis “John” Vickers; six sisters-in-law, Helen Vickers, Mary R. Vickers, Wanda Thorp Lynch, Sharon Thorp Cole, Sharon Wilson Thorp and Diana L. Thorp Burton; five brothers-in-law, Avery Mead, Thomas Lynch, William Cole, Bill St. Martin, and Ward Scroggin; and four dear nephews; Michael Lynch, Kevin Lynch, John Vickers and Stephen Small.
Shirley loved spending time with her family and enjoyed having them around for any or no reason. She used her talent as a seamstress to make matching dresses for herself and the three girls. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Her abilities in the kitchen baking dinners and desserts were great attractions for family get togethers. Christmas and the Fourth of July were big events on her calendar. Always on the agenda were family games of Euchre, Poker, Scat and Tripoley. An especially fun time was when she played Nintendo with her two granddaughters. Shirley was an avid bowler which allowed time to interact with her sister Jackie at the Alfred Bowling Lanes. Her daughters and grandchildren affectionately describe her as a wonderful mom and a fun-loving grandma.
Shirley loved the constant companionship of her husband. A favorite pastime was relaxing on her backyard patio where she could swing and listen to country music with her husband. She cherished the many trips with Don to Florida and Nashville with her brother Bruce and his wife Mary.
In her younger years Shirley was a church school teacher for the First Presbyterian Church. She was a life member of both the Eastern Star of McKee Tri-Star, Chapter 242, and the Andover Fireman’s Auxiliary. She was also a huge Buffalo Bills fan and loved watching her soap operas.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all the caregivers at the Manor Care Center in Wellsville, Jan & Bev’s Care Service in Wellsville, Total Senior Care in Olean, and Shirley’s wonderful and caring aide, Barb Lipyance.
Visitation will be held on Sunday (June 25) from 2-5 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. The memorial service will be held at 5:00 at the funeral home immediately following the visitation with Rev. Christian Mattison of the First Presbyterian Church officiating. Following the funeral services, her ashes will be laid to rest beside her husband and daughter at Hillside Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Shirley’s name may be made to Hillside Cemetery, PO Box 313, Andover, NY 14806, Andover Fireman’s Auxiliary, PO Box 714 Andover, NY 14806 or the Eastern Star of NY, McKee-Tri Star, #242, Team 2025, Matron R. W. Janet Rinker, 5 Champlain St. Cuba, NY 14727. © 2023 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
