Shirley Ainsworth Obituary

Shirley N. Ainsworth, 94, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, May 22, 2025, with her daughter by her side. She was born in Athol, NY on June 8, 1930, to Charles C. Needham and Lola D. Russell and moved to Galway in 1949.
While Shirley was finishing her nursing degree, she was a supervisor at the Saratoga County Infirmary in Barkersville. She then became a Registered Nurse and worked as an Emergency Room Manager at Saratoga Hospital for 11 years, she also did private duty nursing for the elderly and was a substitute instructor for the nursing classes at WSWHE County BOCES. She worked as a supervisor at Nathan Littauer in Gloversville and Eden Park in Cobleskill. Shirley served on the Saratoga County Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect and was an instructor for basic and emergency medical first aid and CPR.
Shirley was a Girl Scout Leader, American Red Cross volunteer, and charter member of the Galway Ambulance Corp, Providence Ambulance Corp, and Providence Fire Dept Auxiliary. She was an EMT for over fifty years. Shirley was an upstanding community member, always helping others in need, and providing a safe, healthy, and loving environment for all.
Shirley is survived by her daughter and caregiver Pamela Denney (Donald) of Ballston Lake, son Charles Ainsworth of Galway, and sister Joyce Witz of Athol. She raised three generations of her family including her great granddaughter Ashley, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Max Ainsworth, son Larry Ainsworth, granddaughter Wendy Ainsworth, and grandson James Ainsworth.
Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, May 28 from 4pm to 6pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Funeral services will be held 10am Thursday, May 29 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Warrensburg Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff of Community Hospice of Saratoga, especially her nurse Steve and caseworker Sue for their care and compassion. Memorial contributions in memory of Shirley may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or Providence Fire Dept, Fish House Road, Galway NY 12074.