Shirley Lorraine Perry, 86, was born Aug.11, 1930 to Stewart and Essie (Huddleston) Almstead. She lived most of her life in Philmont, NY graduating from Philmont High School in 1948. She liked to tell stories of being the school band's baton majorette and a basketball cheerleader. After school she worked at the Ideal Cleaners in Hudson, prior to marrying her husband of 58 years, David Perry from Troy, NY. They lived briefly in Rochester where Shirley worked at Bausch and Lomb, meeting her life-long friend Joyce Koslowski Trumble. Around 1960 Shirley and Dave returned to the area first living in Coeymans Hollow, then back to Columbia County permanently, living in Mellenville since 1968. She was a housewife, and taught Sunday School for many years for the Second Reformed Church of Claverack in Philmont, of which she was a lifetime member. She enjoyed the music of Dean Martin, Elvis and Julio Iglesias. She enjoyed time with her children and grandchildren, and was an avid animal lover, making sure to have food out on her porch for the squirrels and birds. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Stewart Almstead and Kenneth Almstead, her grandson Bradley Weaver and her nephew Stewart Almstead. Surviving are her husband, David Perry, children Rebecca Martin and her husband Chip ; Maj. Aaron Perry, USAR and his wife, Christine. Her grandchildren are Kylie Weaver, Carolyn Weaver, Carson Weaver, Tyler- Kin Perry (Mike Cook) and Ian Perry. She has two nieces, Marcia (Almstead) Brandow and Shirlanne (Almstead) Bazemore. Also in need of mention are her dog, Rusty, and lifelong friend of 80 years, Dorothy Allen. Special thanks goes out to the staff of Whittier Place, Pine Haven Skilled Nursing, and Community Hospice for all of their support over the past 2 years of her illness. Visitation will be at French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl funeral home in Chatham on Thursday from 5-7 with a short prayer service at 6:45. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Columbia Greene Humane Society at 125 Humane Society Road, Hudson NY 12534 or Community Hospice at 47 Liberty St. Catskill, NY 12414. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.