Shirley A. DonVito

Shirley Ann (Drost) DonVito passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, surrounded by family. She was 86 years old.

Born on July 3, 1940, in Schodack Landing, New York, Shirley was the daughter of the late Edna and Elbertus Drost. She grew up on her family's farm on Knickerbocker Road alongside her beloved older sister, Joan. Together they attended Schodack Central School District, where Shirley was remembered as one of the best-dressed students - an honor she proudly received at graduation and carried with her throughout her life.

After graduating from high school, Shirley attended Albany Business College. It was in Albany where she met John DonVito Sr., a city boy she would soon turn into a country boy. The two married not long after. Shirley and John made their home on the family farm, where they welcomed their daughter, Debra DonVito. In keeping with the closeness that defined her life, Shirley and her sister Joan built homes on the farmland just down the road from the farmhouse. There, the sisters raised their families side by side. When John DonVito Jr. was born, Shirley's immediate family was complete.

Shirley had a 37-year career at The Resurrection Rest Home/Riverside Center For Rehabilitation And Nursing, where she dedicated herself to caring for others. As a dietary aide, Shirley made sure that everyone received the diet choices they needed on a daily basis. She was also known to sneak in a few snacks here and there to those that wanted them!

Shirley spent her final years living at Franciscan Heights in Rensselaer, New York. It was there that she met some of the best friends she ever had. She enjoyed bingo, bocce ball, gardening, visiting on the back porch, and diamond art, which her dearest friend Zaida taught her how to do. Everyone enjoyed Shirley's cooking and baking. If someone did her a favor, she would often repay them with food or treats.

Shirley's friend list was long, but we need to make special mention of Zaida, Barbara, Martie, Claire, Gloria, Rudy, Wanda, Mary, Al and Annie, Joan & Jasper, Carol, Ed, Linda W & Carly, Karen, Carin, Jan, Janice K., Marci, Janice C., Pat, Jim, Diane, Ann P., Ellen H., Pam, Ruth, and so many more. Everyone was so dedicated to visiting Shirley, especially as her health declined, making sure that they sat with her, sang with her, prayed, and said their goodbyes to her. We are so grateful to these dear friends that actually became more like family.

Thank you so much to all of the caregivers that gave our mother around the clock care: Jennifer Salisbury Hencke, Elizabeth Emanation, Linda Lostritto, Linda Lockrow, Renee Cambia and Nico DonVito.

We would also like to send out special thanks to The Community Hospice of the Capital District. We will always be grateful to them for the care that they gave to our Mother.

As the "Big Sister," I also need to thank my brother, John, for his endless devotion & care that he always gave to our mother.

I also need to send out a very special thank you to my nephew Nico. My mother was so extremely proud of him when he just accomplished such a huge goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. Nico spent countless hours with his grandmother and was there with her in her final moments. Something I'm sure she was very content with.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, John Don Vito Sr.; her parents, Albertus and Edna Drost; her nephew, Brian Schermerhorn; as well as her beloved kitty cat, Cali.

She is survived by her daughter, Debra DonVito; son, John DonVito Jr. (Kirstein); grandchildren, Gary Coumbes (Meagan), Alyssa DonVito, Nicholas DonVito; great-granddaughter, Jaylen Coumbes; brother-in-law, Wayne Schermerhorn; nephew, David Schermerhorn; and a host of other family members. All of whom will carry forward her love of family, home and hard work.

There will be no viewing hours.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be sent to Twin Town Little League Attn: John DonVito Sr. Baseball Field., P.O. Box 369 West Sand Lake, NY 12196.

Always remember that kindness matters.

(My mother's favorite song was Sweet Caroline, when you hear it you can think of her)