VOORHEESVILLE — Shirley Mae Greene, a talented pianist who taught piano for over half a century, treasured time with her family at a lake cottage in Vermont.

 She died on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Brightview Senior Living in Warren, New Jersey. She was 86.

Born in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Leroy and Eleanor Vanderburgh, and sister of the late Ronald Vanderburgh. 

She lived in Voorheesville for more than 50 years before moving to New Jersey.

“Shirley, a 1956 graduate of Milne High School in Albany, followed in her father’s footsteps and became a talented pianist appearing on the local TV show Teenage Barn during her high school years,” her family wrote in a tribute.

“She went on to teach piano for more than 50 years,” her family wrote, “teaching countless students with varying degrees of interest spanning from extracurricular activities to some who went on to make music their chosen profession.”

She and her husband, the late Waldo “Wally” R. Greene, owned Van Curler Music Co. in Albany.

“One of Shirley’s greatest joys (along with Wally) was spending time with family and friends at the family cottage on Lake St. Catherine in Vermont, a cherished tradition now shared across five generations,” the tribute said. “While there, she enjoyed family boat rides, evening walks, gardening, and sipping gin and tonics in a tall glass on the deck.

“Her home in Voorheesville was full of antique treasures found at auctions in Vermont and refinished with love.

“Shirley was a passionate dog lover and dog breeder. During her lifetime, she raised Bassett hounds and Yorkshire terriers. Her most recent love was Lacy, who was by her side during her time at Brightview.”

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Shirley Mae Greene is survived by her daughters, Cindy (Glen) Curley and Sherrie West; grandchildren, Brian (Jessie) Curley, Jason (Lauren) Curley and Allison Curley; and great-grandchildren, Owen, Reilly, Lucy, Ethan, Molly, and William Curley.

She is also survived by sister-in-law, Emily (Greene) Laraway; and nieces, Debbie (Dean) Sweet, Laurie (Ray) Cerrone and Kim (Charles) Mallary.

She was the beloved wife of the late Waldo “Wally” R. Greene, daughter of the late Leroy and Eleanor Vanderburgh, and sister of the late Ronald Vanderburgh. 

“The family would like to thank the staff at Brightview Senior Living and Life Hospice for their compassionate care and warm hearts,” the tribute said. “The red geraniums featured at her service will be a tribute to Shirley’s favorite flower.”

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals at 343 New Karner Rd. in Colonie with a service to immediately follow at 11 a.m. Inurnment will take place at Memory Gardens in Colonie.