SARATOGA SPRINGS —Shirley Bishop (nee Cassard), age 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Wesley Health Care as her family kept a vigil. 

Born on August 13, 1931, in Rochester, NY, Shirley was the daughter of the late Earl Cassard and Evelyn Harrod Cassard.

Shirley dedicated her career to education, beginning as an elementary teacher and later serving on the administrative staff of Empire State College from 1973 to 1991. Known for her kindness and compassion, she formed lasting bonds with students and colleagues. She was also a Licensed Real Estate Agent. An avid reader, she belonged to several book groups over the years. When she retired, she and her husband Clay moved to their summer cottage on Lake Ontario and made it their home. The “Cottage” on Sodus Bay had been passed down through several generations. Shirley spent many summers there as a child and the Bay had a special place in her heart. Both on Sodus Bay, and Saratoga, Shirley was often seen walking miles with remarkable energy, never relying on a walker or cane throughout her life. She was a member of Presbyterian New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs. 

She is survived by her sons, John Bishop (Anne) and Todd Bishop (Linda); daughters, Kathleen Bishop (James Jones) and Barbara Bishop (Mareky Onyewu); sisters, Elizabeth Davis (Michael) and Catherine Weber (Herbert); grandchildren, Elizabeth Sharts (Eric Lyday), Graham Sharts, Jack Bishop (Kristin), Ben Bishop (Megan), Patrick Bishop (Krystina), Will Bishop (Hunter Salem), Danielle Benedict (Michael), and Jillian Bishop (Kevin Winchester), eight great-grandchildren and many dear friends who will miss her greatly.

Shirley is predeceased by her loving husband, Howard Clay Bishop, and her sister, Gayle Schmitz.

All are welcome to a memorial service to celebrate her life which will be held sometime in the Spring, date to be determined. 

Condolences may be shared online at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Pensacola, FL. — Melody L. (Holiday) Jaenisch passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at home after a long fought battle with cancer.

Melody was born in Saratoga Springs in 1959 and joined the US NAVY after graduating high school. She later resided in Pensacola, Florida, and reunited with her loving classmate turned husband John R. Jaenisch. She was an avid Pool player and was a devoted member to Cue and Brew of Fort Edward where she would often escape the chaos of “vacation” life. If anybody knew Melody, she often kept herself very occupied while visiting her hometown and family for summers by holding numerous jobs at SPAC, and The Cool Insuring Arena during hockey season. 

Melody was predeceased by her mother Dawn McMahon, her father John Delmage and her sister Michelle Meisburger. She is survived by her two absolute rays of sunshine daughters, Miranda (Frank) Luman of South Glens Falls, Ariana (Bolt) Scheidt also of South Glens Falls, her two precious grandchildren Brandin and Raygen Luman, her brothers Michael (Robin) Nichols of Wilton, and Mark Holiday of Saratoga Springs, as well as many nephews and nieces and some very cherished friends. 

Her husband and family would like to extend the deepest gratitude to her cousin, Karen Williams of Colorado, and her best friend of 45 years, Denise Kleber of Pensacola, who took the time to be here for her final days and assist in her care, as well as the Community Hospice. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 21 from 12 – 3 p.m. at the ITAM (Italian America War Veterans), 247 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. 

A memorial service with military honors will be scheduled in late spring or early summer at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville NY. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.