Shirley A. Van Wormer

New Lebanon – Shirley A. Van Wormer, 44, of Henry Avenue, Pittsfield, MA, formerly of New Lebanon, NY, died on Thursday evening, July 5, 2012, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield after being stricken at her home.
Born in Pittsfield on May 4, 1968, she was the daughter of the late Edward L. and Shirley Young Van Wormer. Her parents both died tragically at a young age, and she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Ted and Dot Ryan of New Lebanon, whom she called mom and dad. She had lived in the Pittsfield/Lanesborough area for the last five years after moving from New Lebanon.
Shirley graduated in 1988 from New Lebanon Central High School and attended both Lyndon State College of Vermont and Mildred Elley Nursing School in Pittsfield. She attended the Church of the Immaculate Conception in New Lebanon. Shirley had worked at Jiminy Peak in Hancock, MA, and as a medical assistant for Pond View Pediatrics in Schodack, NY, and Berkshire Ob/Gyn in Pittsfield.
Survivors include her mom, Dorothy A. Ryan of Denver, NC, her siblings, Nicholas Van Wormer of Gloversville, NY, Michael Van Wormer of Johnstown, NY, Eric Van Wormer of Albany, NY, Patrick Ryan of Mooresville, NC, Jane Ryan of Huntersville, NC, Susan Ryan of Old Chatham, NY, and Colleen Thurston of Denver, NC, along with many special nieces and nephews, a great-niece, cousins and many dear friends. She is pre-deceased by dad, Edward “Ted” Ryan, and a brother, Edward Van Wormer
Graveside services will be held in the Cemetery of the Evergreens in Lebanon Springs, NY, at a later date. Because of Shirley’s love of animals, contributions in her memory to the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter, 63 Downing Parkway, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, would be appreciated. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home of Stephentown, NY.