Shirley M. Dechene

She is survived by her children, Michael Dechene and his wife Diane of Tupper Lake, Julie Dechene of Plattsburgh, and Debi Fitzwilliam and her husband Gary of Germantown, Maryland; five grandchildren, Evan (Brooke) Dechene, Matthew (Olivia) Dechene, McKayla (Jesse) Munn, Nick Fitzwilliam and Allison Fitzwilliam; great grandchildren Michael Dechene, Addie Dechene, Leona LaQuay, Nole LaQuay and Madeline Munn; her siblings, Richard Peets and his wife Carolle of Tupper Lake, and Nancy Maroun of Tupper Lake; her special friends, Alanna Fox, Nancy Corrow and Jean Mozdzier; and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents; and her siblings Robert Peets, Donald Peets, Theresa Savard and Gerald Peets.

Shirley was born on May 31, 1939, in Tupper Lake, the daughter of William J. and Maude A. LaCount Peets. She graduated from Tupper Lake Central School in 1956. She married Donald Dechene Aug. 11, 1957 at St. Alphonsus Church and raised their three children together. She first went to work at JJ Newberry’s Department Store until it closed, then went to work as a therapy aide at Sunmount DDSO until her retirement in 2001.

She took great pleasure in creating crossword puzzles and attending cookouts with friends at Woodland Apartments in the community room. In her earlier years, she was known for her love of baking and cooking, particularly her famous meat pies. Her apple pie was legendary and beloved by all who tasted it.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Tupper Lake Volunteer Ambulance, 169 Main St., Tupper Lake, NY 12986.

Condolences may be made online at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.