Shirley A. Avery, 54, of Ilion, passed away peacefully, March 20, 2012 in Albany Medical Center, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on September 13, 1957, in Suffern, the daughter of Harriett Patterson Broat and the late James H. Broat. Shirley attended Oppenheim schools and graduated from Little Falls High School. On June 30, 1978, she was united in marriage to Donald J. Avey, Sr. in Oppenheim. Mr. and Mrs. Avery have resided most of their lives in Dolgeville until moving to Ilion in 1990. Shirley was employed as a CNA in the dialysis unit at Little Falls Hospital. She was an active and devoted member of the West Schuyler United Methodist Church where she proudly taught Sunday school. Shirley enjoyed crocheting and her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her loving husband, Donald, Sr.; her mother, Harriett Schuyler of FL; her sons and daughter-in-law, Donald J. Avery, Jr and his fiancée, Cathy McGrellis of Ilion, Brandon and Tammy Avery of Schuyler and Kyle Avery of Ilion; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Bruce and Karen Broat of Utica, Doug and Pam Broat of Frankfort, Mark and Gloria Broat of FL, Jeff and Tammy Broat of Dolgeville and Roger Broat of FL; her grandchildren, Justin Jones, Dakota Avery, Brian Lawson, Brooke Lawson and Lucas Avery. Shirley also leaves many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her son, Michael Avery in 1998. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, from 1-4PM, Friday (Today) March 23, 2012. Shirley's funeral will be held immediately following the calling hours in the chapel of the funeral home. In lieu of flower, kindly consider donations in Shirley's memory to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be offer by visiting www.eneafamily.com