Lady

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Shirley "Lady" Fox, a beloved matriarch known for her strength, faith, and unwavering love for her family, was welcomed into the kingdom of heaven on October 15, 2024, surrounded by those she cherished most.

Shirley's life was a testament to her devotion to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. She often "adopted" nurses, waiters, and strangers as her own, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met. She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith, forever etched in the hearts of her family.

Born on October 7, 1937, Shirley was the cherished daughter of George H. and Lorena E. (Ockerman) Layer. She grew up in Nichols, NY, and was part of the last class to graduate from Nichols High School. In 1962, she married the love of her life, Lester Fox Jr. While she worked as a secretary at The Blue Swan for a time, she soon became a full-time wife, mother, and later, grandmother.

She dedicated most of her life to caring for her family. She raised her four beautiful daughters while also serving as an Assistant Girl Scout leader and substitute teaching aide at Tioga Central School. She was an avid sports mom, chauffeuring her daughters from one game to the next.

On her 48th birthday, she was blessed with the gift of her first granddaughter, Jesseca, with whom she shared a special bond—celebrating not only their birthdays together but also many close moments throughout life as she became a stay-at-home grandmother.

Later in life, Shirley worked for nearly two decades at Lounsbury Truckstop, where her kindness and strong work ethic left a lasting impression on her colleagues and customers.

After retiring, she devoted her time to her great-grandsons, CJ and Connor, who became the true loves of her life. She adored CJ’s sweet demeanor and loving heart, and she delighted in Connor’s adventurous spirit, often following him on various explorations.

In her final years, Shirley lived with her daughter Wendy, who made sure she attended every event possible, from her granddaughter Kim's beautiful wedding to Easter celebrations where her great grandsons were baptized. Shirley attended school functions, soccer games, and Grandparent's Day, cherishing each moment and never wanting to miss a thing.

Shirley also found joy in crocheting blankets for her family and friends, always creating something special for those she loved. She fondly reminisced about skiing with friends and once even considered trying it again at age 84 on a family trip to Greek Peak, though her family intervened! Shirley spent many years bowling in a league with her husband, sister, and brother-in-law. She held a great passion for shopping—especially for jewelry. She even got her nose pierced, just to add one more piece of jewelry to her beloved collection!

One of Shirley's favorite pastimes was searching for heart-shaped rocks, and her great-grandchildren now carry on this tradition. They eagerly add to her collection, sharing stories of how and where they found each one—a gesture of love that will continue in her memory.

To her family, Shirley was more than a mother and grandmother—she was "Lady," a pillar of faith, wisdom, and resilience. Wherever she was, laughter and stories flowed. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she made every effort to be involved in their lives, from weddings and school concerts to soccer games. Lady found immense joy in watching her family grow, and her happiest moments were those spent in their company, celebrating life’s simple yet profound joys.

A woman of deep faith, Lady often reflected on her favorite Bible verse, Matthew 17:20: "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." This verse encapsulated her belief in the power of love and faith, which carried her through life’s challenges and will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

Shirley was welcomed into heaven by her parents; infant brother, Richard John Layer; brother, Howard Layer; sisters, Arlene Layer, Beverly (Otto) Scott, and LuLu Belle (Ronald) Harris; and stepson, Wilber "Mikey" Fox. She is survived by her close friend and former husband, Lester Fox Jr.; her loving children, Robyn Bruder, Wendy (Scott) Rifenberg, Tammy (Kevin) Warner, and Roxanne Fox; her grandchildren, Jesseca (Peter) Ferreri, Kimberly (Tylin) Firestone, and Cody (Maddy) Fox; her great-grandchildren, Charles James Ferreri and Connor Ferreri; her faithful grand-pup, Molly; and her very special unofficially adopted children, Bonnie Goble and Barb Haskins. She also leaves behind many dear friends and extended family members.

In honor of Shirley’s faith and generosity, her family requests donations be made to New Beginnings Godhab, 8607 Rt 414, Canton, PA 17724.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Guthrie Hospice team and caregivers who supported Shirley during her final days. They feel incredibly blessed to have had the team’s support during this brief but challenging time, and they wish to thank Anja, Maureen, and Amy specifically.

Shirley’s life will be celebrated with a service at Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols on Thursday, October 24. A period of visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m., followed by a service at 4 p.m.  A  reception and time of sharing memories will follow at the North Orwell Community Hall. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones as they remember her as a good and faithful servant, now resting in the arms of her Savior.