Shirley Pergram

Shirley Joyce Program, 74, of Hurleyville, NY, passed away peacefully at Roscoe Regional Rehabilitation on October 4, 2025. She was born on August 31, 1951, in Middletown, NY, the daughter of the late Frank Decker and Ruth Coddington.

Shirley was a woman of many passions and deep devotions to her family, faith, and community. She was an avid reader and a lifelong lover of animals, often donating her time to the SPCA both in Ohio and Rock Hill. Raised on a farm, she carried her love for nature throughout her life, cherishing her horses, ducks, goats, cats and dogs and always making sure the birds in her yard-whether hummingbirds, blue jays, or cardinals-were well fed.

Shirley worked many different jobs throughout her lifetime, primarily in the automotive factories in Ohio, before moving back to New York, where she drove school bus for Rolling V for over ten years. She found great joy in working with children and was known for her kindness and patience. She was also a proud member of the United Methodist Church, both in Ohio and Hurleyville.

A woman who loved the simple joys of life, Shirley enjoyed gardening, especially tending to her summer garden, doing yard work, watching game shows, and solving crossword puzzles. She deeply valued time spent with her family, while also treasuring quiet moments on her own.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dennis Pergram; her daughter, Jenny Elliott; her grandchildren, Frankie Pergram and his wife Cinthia, Summer Sherwood, and Heath Elliott and his partner Miguel Trinidad; and her great-grandchildren, Benjamin Teri, Aubree Sherwood, Alivia Sherwood, Mckenna Sherwood, and Violet Pergram; Kelly Salyer Daniels, whom she loved and cared for as her own child; her sister, Donna Decker, and her partner Cliff Waite; sisters-in-law Linda Baldridge, Debbie Pergram Walter and Alisa DeGroat; as well as many nieces. nephews and cousins.

Shirley was predeceased by Christopher Salyer whom she loved and cared for like her own Child, niece Deanna Schrader; nephew Brian Decks; her siblings Ruth Foley and her husband Ron Foley and Frank Decker and his wife Dawn Decker; step-mother Lila Driscoll; grandmother-in-law Margaret Stroub; mother-in-law Ethel Pergram, aunt Gladys Donnelly , brothers-in-law David Pergram and Dave Baldridge; her grandson, Dean Elliott, and her beloved long haired teacup Chihuahua, Jiggy.

Shirley will be remembered for her warm heart, her dedication to her family, and her love for all living things. Her legacy of kindness and strength will live on in those who were blessed to know her. She was deeply loved by her family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Donations in Shirley's names can be made to one's local library; Hurleyville United Methodist Church, PO Box 64, Hurleyville, NY 12747 or to the Sullivan SPCA, PO Box 995, Rock Hill, NY 12775.

Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home. For further information, please call 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com