Obituary of Shirley J. VanArnum

Shirley J. VanArnum, 91, a resident of Southard Rd., passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs. Born July 5, 1924 in Saratoga Springs, she was the daughter of the late J. Fayette and Ruth Swartout Thomas. Mrs. VanArnum had been employed as a Nutritional Aid at Saratoga County Extension Service, a secretary at the First Baptist Church in Saratoga Springs, and had also worked in the Schuylerville High School Library for many years. She was a floral arranger at VanArnums Florist in the former Pyramid Mall, and most enjoyed being a mother and housewife. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Joseph Mahay; brothers and sisters, Lillian Thompson, Winifred Russell, Melvin Thomas, Jared Thomas, Doris White and Herbert Thomas. Survivors include her husband, Vernon S. VanArnum of Saratoga Springs; 3 sons, Joseph Mahay (Naomi Tannen) of MA, Stephen Mahay (Sharon) of AK, Keith Mahay of Ballston Spa; 2 daughters, Diane Durie (Robert) of Bald Mountain, and Evone Martin of Mechanicville; 2 sisters-in-law, Eleanor and Gloria Thomas; 16 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A graveside service with thoughts shared by family and friends will be held at 10am Saturday, October 31, 2015 in the Greenridge Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. Friends may call from 4-6pm on Friday, October 30, 2015 at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville. There will be a time to share stories at 5:30pm.