SARATOGA SPRINGS — Shirley Larson Wolkodoff died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, September 3 at Wesley Health Care Center.
Born on August 12, 1930 in Buffalo, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Helen Anderson Larson. She attended Kenmore High School and graduated with honors in 1948 and also studied at Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Nursing School, graduating in 1951.
Shirley married the love of her life, Peter Wolkodoff, in 1960 and had four children. After moving numerous times, they settled in Saratoga Springs and purchased a small franchise business, Val-Pak.
Upon Peter’s sudden death in 1981, Shirley singlehandedly ran Val-Pak and raised her four daughters before retiring in 1997. An avid traveler, gardener and artist, she was a loyal friend and hosted a mean lobster bake.
In addition to her parents and husband Peter, Shirley is predeceased by one daughter, Vanessa Lancer.
Survivors include three daughters: Alexis Kaplan of Guilford, Connecticut, Andrea Gabbard of Highlands, North Carolina and Laura Furo of Saratoga Springs; and three grandchildren.
Relatives and friend may call from 5-7 p.m. Monday, September 8 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (518) 584-5373.
Graveside services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Tuesday, September 9 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, followed by a celebration of Shirley’s life at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York, Adirondack Region, PO Box 4091, Queensbury, NY 12804.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.
