VOORHEESVILLE — Shirley (née Atkins) Casey, a wife, mother, grandmother, and nurse who over five decades ran a small-town medical practice with her husband in the heart of Voorheesville, died on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. She was 92.

Born Jan. 1, 1930 in Westerlo, she was the daughter of William “Ken” and Flay (née Vincent) Atkins.

A graduate of Berne-Knox-Westerlo schools, she earned her degree to become a registered nurse from the Albany School of Nursing.

She worked as a nurse at Albany Medical Center Hospital, the Veterans Administration Hospital, and the Bangor (Maine) Medical Center Hospital. “Her unflappable manner made her a natural in hospital emergency rooms,” her family wrote in a tribute. “It also served her well as the mother of two adventurous sons.

“She married Dr. Clifford H. Casey on June 27, 1953. They met on a blind date. He died in 2016.

“Shirley and Clif were constant companions who enjoyed car rides and dining out. They ate meals at local diners nearly every day.

“From 1959 until the couple retired in 2005, she arranged appointments, kept the books, and assisted in their home-office at 6 Voorheesville Ave. When they retired, friends had a party to celebrate their connection to Voorheesville and the virtues of their disappearing profession: small-town family medicine

“Shirley enjoyed living in the center of Voorheesville, where the family had frequent visits from friends. Their home, across from Hotaling Park, was a popular gathering place for watching Voorheesville’s annual Memorial Day Parade.

“An avid reader on a range of topics, she was a constant source of useful information long before the internet. She kept a rotating pile of library books and happily supported the library with overdue fines.

“A child of the Great Depression, she kept a well-stocked pantry that was a favorite destination for snacking kids and grandkids. She never seemed to run out of leftovers.

“She enjoyed vacationing at their camp in Surry, Maine, particularly during summers when friends and relatives visited.

“She also enjoyed traveling. Her destinations included Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa. In one memorable 2002 visit to Hawaii, she and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their sons and their families.”

****

Shirley (née Atkins) Casey is survived by two sons, Arthur Casey and his wife, Susan, of North Canton, Connecticut; and Charles Casey and his wife, Barbara, of Alplaus; six grandchildren, Matthew, Brian, Jillian, Megan, Sarah, and Andrew; and a brother, Robert of Phoenix, Arizona.

Her parents, William “Ken” and Flay (née Vincent) Atkins, died before her, as did her sister, Irene.

The family thanks the staff of Kingsway Arms Nursing Center for their compassionate care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Voorheesville Community and School Foundation or the Blue Hill (Maine) Heritage Trust.

Memorial messages may be left at www.altamontenterprise.com/milestones.

Calling hours are Saturday, June 25, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Reilly and Son Funeral Home at 9 Voorheesville Ave. in Voorheesville. A memorial service and reception will be at noon at the First United Methodist Church of Voorheesville at 68 Maple Ave. in Voorheesville.

 Charlie Casey, son, 518 368-0306