Shirley A. Capozzi – 78 – formerly of Hornell, died Sunday evening (December 19, 2010) at Homestead Nursing Home in Penn Yan, NY where she had resided for the past 8 years.

Born in Salamanca, NY on March 27, 1932, she was the daughter of Raymond & Lauretta (Crooks) Gieger.

Shirley grew up in Salamanca and was a graduate of Salamanca High School (class of 1950).  In the mid 1970’s she earned her nursing degree at Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred) graduating top of her class.

She resided in Hornell for most of her adult life and had been employed as a registered nurse at St. James Mercy Hospital for several years.  She later served as a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit of the Bath Veteran’s Hospital. She was adored by her patients and highly respected by her colleagues.

Shirley had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of both St. Ignatius Loyola Church and St. Ann’s Church. Shirley enjoyed collecting “Precious Moment” figurines and her interests included shopping, country music and reading.  She will be remembered as a woman who had deep love and devotion to her family.

She was married on May 26, 1951 to Joseph A. Capozzi who died February 7, 2005.  She was also preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Gieger.

Surviving are 2 sons, James “Cody” (Betty Howe) Capozzi of Dansville and Donald “Otis” (Kelly MacDonald) Capozzi of Nashville, TN; 1 daughter, Leanne Capozzi of Ontario, NY; 2 brothers, Raymond (Dorothy) Gieger of Salamanca and Donald (Verna) Gieger of Salamanca; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren’ several nieces & nephews.

At her family’s request there will be no calling hours.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 14, 2011 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church.  Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Shirley’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Bath VA Hospital, Bath, NY  14807.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.