Shirley Anne Wilmer-Frye

Shirley Anne Wilmer-Frye

“Nana” 

A “Hero” to her children 

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Shirley Anne Wilmer Frye, 82, of Brownville , NY. Shirley passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Carthage Hospital, surrounded by a full room of overwhelming love from her family.
 
Born on March 18, 1943, at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY, Shirley graduated from North Syracuse Central High School in 1960.

At age 40, while single handedly raising three children, she was working full-time as a CNA , continuing her education to become an LPN from B.O.C.E.S ,and farther pursuing her education proudly earning her Registered Nurse from Jefferson Community College in 1992. Her dedication to her children while pursuing higher education and working overnights was a true testament to the incredibly driven and hard-working woman she was. 
 
Over the years, Shirley held many roles—William’s Grocery store in N. Syracuse, NY, as  a sales agent , GE Electric in Syracuse, NY ,NYS Insurance representative, waitresses, homemaker, farmer, bartender/ co-owner of the Brownville Hotel in Brownville, NY, started as a CNA working up to RN at Mercy Hospital, Watertown, NY, where she was employed for 23 years, and most proudly, registered nurse at the Arc, formerly known as JRC for 18 years, where she managed several homes as their RN, this turned into her greatest passion to advocate for the special needs people who could not advocate for themselves, and trained countless healthcare professionals. She continued her work with compassion and dedication until her retirement at the age of 79.
 
Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to Yvonne Pulliam, Denise Duffany (Kathy), and Earl Goodrich (Krista). She was a very proud Nana who cherished each one of her grandchildren ;Hiliary-Jo Harrison (Phil), Storme Goodrich (Roxanne), Nicholas Towne, Karissa Robinson (Antonio), Rae Goodrich, Emily Sousa, Madelyn Goodrich, and Madilyn Jimenez. Shirley was a proud and loving great-Nana to Nolan, Jaelynn, Carter, Giavanna, Kalyani, and Braxtyn. Her love knew no bounds; she was affectionately called “Nana” by many beyond her immediate family, as she never hesitated to share her warmth and kindness with others. She also had a deep affection for her cherished fur companions—Moose, Kitt-t, and Ruby—who brought her comfort and companionship
 
She is also survived by six sisters and two brothers: Bonnie Koehle, Marjorie Haberer, Mary Harris , Fredrick Manly Wilmer Jr. (Chris), Gary Wilmer (Carole), Diania Meyer (Tim), and Jacklyn Keyes (Wade). Several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Gladys Jayne Wilmer and Fredrick Manly Wilmer Sr,  A sister Nancy Patnode. Shirley’s late husband’s John Furco 1962-1965 ended in annulment, Carlton Goodrich 1967-1982 ended in divorce, and 1983-current husband “the love of her life” Floyd J. Frye Jr. 
 
Shirley’s life was full of passion: cooking, long scenic drives, nature watching, reading, gardening, fishing, soap operas, political involvement, Facebook auctions and antics, and above all, time with her family. She was known for her generous spirit, wise advice, listening ear, and her compassionate service as a nurse. 

Shirley will be remembered always for her strength, kindness, and the love she shared with so many.

“Forever in our hearts, we will carry Shirley’s love with us always.”

Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Arc Jefferson -St Lawrence foundation P.O. Box 41 Watertown NY for house 443G or the SPCA of Watertown, NY organizations close to her heart.

A celebration of life to be held at Brownville American Legion at 101 Washington St. Brownville, NY on Nov. 2 12pm to 5PM  . 

Arrangements have been entrusted with Cleveland Funeral Home, Watertown, NY.  Online condolences may be shared at www.clevelandfhinc.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.