Shirley Lorraine Walsh

10/19/1937 – 5/25/2025

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Shirley L. Walsh on May 25, 2025, at the age of 87.

Shirley is predeceased by her husband William, her mother and father Carl and Edna Anderson and her daughter Debra LaPiedra-O’Brien. She leaves behind a large family including her brother Lawrence Anderson (sister-in-law Beverly), her son James LaPiedra (spouse Frances), her daughter Laura Burgess (spouse Walter), her son in law John, and nine grandchildren including Julia Calderone (spouse Vincent), James (spouse Danielle), Melissa O’Brien (boyfriend Ray), Katie Palumbo (spouse Jeremy) Jacqueline Burns (spouse James), Alyse (spouse Zack), Kristina (spouse Steven), Robert (spouse Raina), Emma Lynch and nine great grandchildren.

Born on October 19, 1937, on Staten Island, New York, Shirley attended P.S. 45 and Curtis High School. As a teenager she loved to go to McDonald Playground where she met and then married her first husband, Richard La Piedra, who died while serving as a NYC Police Officer.

A devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She found joy in the simple things, warm conversations, and caring for those around her. Her heart was her greatest gift, and she gave it freely to everyone she met.

She spent her life putting others before herself, always ready with a comforting word, a helping hand, or a listening ear. Whether it was nurturing her children, supporting her loved ones, or lending quiet strength in times of need, Shirley embodied the true meaning of love and selflessness.

She loved animals and for over 25 years, she fed and cared for stray cats, kittens, and sometime deer, by providing food in both the morning and evening of each day. She created shelters in the wintertime to protect them from the cold, snow, and rain.

She loved the seashore and entertained and shared that love with her children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories at Long Beach Island. She was always caring for her house plants and served as a member of the Richmond Ever-Green Garden Club.

Her legacy of warmth, generosity, and grace will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though our hearts are heavy, we are comforted in knowing that her love continues to guide and inspire us every day.

Visitation services will be held at Casey-McCallum Rice Funeral Home, located at 30 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10308, on May 27, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A blessing will be given at 11:00 am on May 28, 2025.

The committal service will be held at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Rd, New York, NY 10306, on May 27, 2025, at 12:00 pm.

Rest in peace, Mom. You were truly the heart of our family, and you will be forever missed.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Cape May County Coast Guard Community in memory of Shirley, who’s grandson Robert LaPiedra Petty Officer Second Class is serving in the USCG. at: https://coastguardcommunity.org/donate/