We are sad to announce the passing of Shirley Anne VanAken of Liberty, NY on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Shirley was born on July 14, 1949. She passed away surrounded by all of her loved ones, after a battle with lung cancer.

A family statement reads, “She was the strongest woman we know.”

Shirley was a devoted mother. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of her life and they all kept her on her toes.

She is predeceased by her husband, George “Butch” Van-Aken; her parents, Leonard Ackerley and Evelyn Bivins; and one brother, Carl Ackerley.

Shirley leaves behind her children, Allan and Suzi Jones of Jacksonville, NC, Mary and Willie DeGraw of Monticello, NY, Jason and Christine Jones of Liberty, NY, Loretta and Jim VanAken of Jacksonville, FL, George and Lisa VanAken of Hurleyville, NY, Bill and Allison VanAken of Forestburgh, NY, Michelle and Troy Morris of Liberty, NY, Dan and Anja VanAken of Liberty, NY; three brothers, Jimmy Ackerley of Claryville, NY, Billy Ackerley of Woodbourne, NY, Danny and Lori Ackerley of Rock Bridge Baths, VA.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home in Woodbourne, NY. The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. with a service at 3 p.m. followed by burial at Glen Wild Cemetery.

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