Shirley E. Mortellaro

Shirley Mortellaro, 90, was born on November 14, 1934. Her death on June 28, 2025, has left behind three sons and daughters-in-law, Russell (Teri) of Buffalo, Tim (Jamie) of Florida, and Larry (Nina) of Batavia. Shirley will also be lovingly remembered by her brother-in-law, Richard “Dick” Mortellaro, her sister-in-law, Kathy Mortellaro, 8 grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Anthony “Tony” Mortellaro.

Like many, life had its share of ups and downs for Shirley. Regrettably, Shirley was separated from her younger sister at the age of six years old. She moved to Albion, NY, where her father John Wilkins met her stepmother, Frances Wilcox. Upon her father’s marriage to Frances, life became good and cheerful. Shirley was always very close to her parents.

About nineteen years of age, Shirley married Tony Mortellaro. Soon after their marriage, Tony went off to serve in the Army leaving Shirley pregnant with Russell and facing the challenges of a newborn. Fortunately, after two long years, Tony returned. Living in Batavia, they had two more sons, Tim and Larry. After the boys grew older, Shirley went to school for nursing, first becoming a practical nurse and later returning to college to become a Registered Nurse. She enjoyed her nursing career and the sense of purpose it gave her. On her days away from work, Shirley enjoyed reading, bike riding and roller skating. She was an avid collector of cookbooks and photos of her grandchildren.

As time passed, Shirley and her sister Joan were reunited with their long-separated sister, Mary Kidwell. This joyful time helped close what had been “a missing void” that Shirley rarely had spoken about. After years spent in Batavia, Shirley was excited to move into a newly built home in Corfu near Tony’s sister and brothers. Now closer to relatives, the properties looked like “Mortellaro Alley” and Shirley enjoyed the love and closeness of family.

In 2020, Tony and Shirley moved to Heathwood Assisted Living. Their days were spent making new friends and enjoying restaurant-like dining, special events, and no more laundry or housecleaning. Shirley especially liked Wednesdays’ shopping at the onsite gift shop. Although experiencing some hearing and vision loss, Shirley could always pick out and purchase some beautiful rings, bracelets and earrings. She brought joy and companionship to her fellow residents.

As time went on, so did aging. So now, we pray Shirley is at peace, no more back pain or leg pain, but with the ones she loved gone before her. Rest in peace mom.

Friends are invited to call in Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 4:00-8:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. She will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or the Donor’s Choice. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.