Obituary of Shirley A. DeForrest

Mrs. Shirley A. DeForrest, age 83, a longtime Herkimer area resident, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2023 at the Foltsbrook Center in Herkimer. Born on December 28, 1939, Shirley was the daughter of the late John and Mildred (Lucy) Macrina. She was raised and educated locally. On January 5, 1964, Shirley was wed to the late James D. DeForrest, Sr. and together they were blessed with thirty-six years of marriage until Jim’s passing on July 17, 2000. For many years, Shirley worked for the Scialdo family as the Head of Chamber Maids at the Prospect Inn in Herkimer. She was a longtime member of the Tony R. George Post Women’s Auxiliary and in her free time, she could often be found out in her garden or sitting on her porch. She enjoyed her trips to the casino and her weekly coffee visits with Gerald Gallagher. Her first and foremost priority was always the well being of her husband, sons and grandchildren. She was loving, selfless and giving and had a kind and generous spirit. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She is survived by her two sons, James D. DeForrest, Jr. and wife, Marisa and Brian DeForrest and Lynn Laracuente; her grandchildren, James DeForrest, Allison DeForrest and fiancé, Ben Goodfellow, Nicholas DeForrest and Jonathan DeForrest; and one great grandchild, Kinsley DeForrest. She also leaves her brother, George Macrina; her sister, Mary Bunce and husband, Donald; and her sister-in-law, Karen Macrina; along with several nieces, nephews and extended family members. Aside from her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her brother, John Macrina. A special thank you is extended to the staff of the 5th Floor at Foltsbrook Rehabilitation and Nursing for the care and compassion shown to Shirley throughout her stay there. Friends and relatives are invited to attend visitation for Shirley on Tuesday evening, May 16, 2023 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315) 866-1011. Shirley’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning, May 17, 2023, at 9:30AM at the funeral home and at 10:00AM at Sts. Anthony & Joseph Church in Herkimer, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Terence Healy. Procession will follow to Calvary Cemetery where Shirley’s earthly remains will be laid to rest with her husband. Shirley’s final wishes were pre-arranged and entrusted to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.