Shirley "Shirl" (Reiche) Van Vorst , VRHS Class of 1947
Shirley J. Van Vorst, age 85, of Rensselaer, died peacefully with her family at her side on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at Albany Memorial Hospital of Albany. Shirley was born in Albany, the daughter of the late Charles and Dorothy Reiche of Albany. Shirley was a member of the Eastern Star Philippine Gratitude chapter, a member of the Rensselaer Pumper 4 Ladies Auxiliary, a past member and dispatcher for the Rensselaer Volunteer Ambulance Co. and a proud member of SKI (Spending Kids Inheritance Club). Shirley was the owner/ operator of Sara's Deli, Flowers by Van Vorst/Bridals by Van Vorst and most recently employed as the desk clerk for the Rensselaer Boys and Girls Club. Predeceased by her beloved husband, James D. Van Vorst Sr.; granddaughter, Kayla Witko; and son-in-law, Edward Witko. Survivors include her children, James D. (Christine) Van Vorst Jr., Gary (Doreen) Van Vorst, Richard (Sandy) Van Vorst, Laurie (John) Mooney, and Amy (James Morgan) Witko. Shirley is the proud grandmother of Jodi Champlin, James D Van Vorst III, Kelly (Rob) Cronkhite, Lisa (Nick) DeJulio, Carrie Van Vorst, Rick (Cindy) Van Vorst Jr., Michael (Sheila) Van Vorst, John (Jillian) Mooney Jr., Kimberly Mooney, David (Erica) Mooney, Edward Joshua Witko and Aliyah Witko. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren. Funeral from the Rockefeller Funeral Home. Burial in New Rural Cemetery in the Spring. The family has requested that those who wish make memorial contributions in Shirley's name to the Rensselaer Boys and Girls Club, 544 Broadway, Rensselaer, NY 12144.