Shirley ‘Shooky’ Walsh

Predeceased by her parents Murray and Treva MacMillan, brother Donald and sisters Phyliss and Audrey, Shirley is survived by her loving daughters, Whitney Walsh Cardozo and Bridget Treva Walsh; her cherished granddaughters, Dr. Sydney MacMillan Cardozo and Ms. Lily Scott Cardozo; her son-in-law, J. Scott Cardozo; and her beloved dog, Teddy.

Shirley’s grandchildren were not just a part of her life but the light of her life. Despite living in a different state, she was constantly present in their childhood. Even when she couldn’t be with them in person, she called them weekly, checking in and sharing in their lives.

She could not say Shirley when she was young, so she named herself Shooky, which stuck for 86 years. In the 1960s, she moved to the Adirondack Mountains in New York with her friend Pamala as a visiting nurse. Her compassionate nature and dedication to helping others led her to make Saranac Lake her home until 2020. Professionally, she preferred to be called Shooky as well. She transitioned from nursing to real estate, a field she excelled in, becoming a successful broker for over 40 years in Saranac Lake.

Shirley’s commitment to her work was unparalleled. As the owner and broker of Coldwell Banker Shirley M. Walsh Realty in the late ’80s and ’90s, she tirelessly served first-time home buyers and second-home buyers. Her visionary leadership as president of the Northern Adirondack Board of REALTORS led to significant industry advancements, including the Standard Listing Contract, the Standard Contract of Sale and the integration of all agencies with the Multiple Listing Service, all achieved before the computer age. Her professional success is a testament to her unwavering dedication and hard work, inspiring all who knew her.

Giving back and helping those in need was also important to her. She volunteered for the March of Dimes in the 1970s, organizing fundraising events and advocating for the health of mothers and babies. She was so busy with her volunteer work and real estate business that she had a second telephone line installed in her home. These values defined her and were instilled in her daughters and granddaughters. She was a role model for other women, showing them they could also own businesses or work for themselves. She was fiercely independent and known to be a bit stubborn but equally kind to all.

Shirley “Shooky” MacMillan Walsh will be greatly missed but forever remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering love for her family. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.