Shirley DeWitt—a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and retired social

worker—passed away on July 22, 2026. Shirley was born in April 1946 in Long Island City, New York, to the late Howard Faust and the late Diana Urbanski, both of Poughkeepsie. She enjoyed being a mother and homemaker for many years before beginning her career at Occupations, Inc., a vocational and social services

organization in New Windsor, New York, supporting individuals with intellectual and

developmental disabilities. Driven by a desire to help others, she became a therapist and social worker, earning her LMSW from Fordham University.

Shirley brought a genuine happiness and a light, playful spirit to everything she did, and it was contagious to those around her. Her warm, engaging manner had a way of making everyone feel special. People naturally opened up to her, sensing her deep love, acceptance, and grace.

After her retirement, she cherished every moment spent with family and friends. She held her children, grandchildren, and extended family close, along with a circle of dear, lifelong friends—Carol, Audrey, Linda, Melinda, Lori, Billy, Cheryl, the late Ellie, and many more.

Shirley is survived by her two children, James DeWitt of Walden, and Kimberly Cook and her husband, Steven, of Montgomery; her grandchildren, Andrew and Zoey; her sister, Jean (Nick) Passerino of Clermont, FL; and four nieces and nephews: Diana (Mark) Allen, Nicholas (Amy) Barresi, Jacklyn (Jesse) Maietta, and Michael (Danielle) Faust.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Raymond Faust and James Faust.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at New Prospect Reformed Church, 2964 NY-52, Pine Bush, NY 12566. Repast will immediately follow in the church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s honor to the National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF), supporting advocacy for prior authorization reform, at 421 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666.

Arrangements are entrusted to Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, Inc., Walden, NY.