Obituary of Shirley Rotonde Papa

Shirley Rotonde Papa, 93, of Mayfield, NY died peacefully at home on Friday, July 16, 2021, surrounded by her devoted family and her Hospice Angel “Debra Cook”. 

Shirley was born on November 29, 1927 to Lawrence and Zola (Tansley) Rotonde. She grew up in Gloversville and in her later years moved to the Great Sacandaga Lake and spent winters in Venice, Florida.

During her younger years she loved traveling with her aunt and uncle's band throughout the area. She loved telling stories about being their hat check girl. Her love of dancing and music provided an opportunity for her to meet the love of her life and husband, Hortenzio Papa. They were married on August 21 ,1949. They raised two daughters, Karen Papa and Linda Papa-Plaine.
 
Shirley worked in the Papa family glove business. Her various roles were sewing gloves, bookkeeper and doing payroll. Her devotion was to her family and being a gracious hostess for the continual gourmet gatherings her husband would organize and prepare. The doors were always open to family and friends. Her role for these parties were to provide the most amazing desserts. Her Boscotti were often distributed to neighbors in New York and Florida.

Shirley was always very active in the community: Girl Scout Leader, sewing club, PTA, Sunday School Teacher, Eucharistic Minister, Nathan Littauer Auxiliary and Extended Care Facility and Catholic Daughters Society. She came from a family of musicians and loved to play the piano. She loved being on the water either swimming or driving the pontoon boat, golfing, or creating stained glass.

But her most rewarding and closest thing to her were her grandchildren Brian and Todd. When they came to see her, her eyes would light up and the biggest smile came across her face. Nothing made her happier than seeing them and additionally her great-grandchildren Amelia and Brodie.

She also had a love for animals. Her devoted cat Pumkin who was always by her side or on her lap.

Shirley was a faithful servant of God and to all that knew her, their Prayer Warrior and Our Spiritual Leader.

She is now at Peace with her Heavenly Father and loving family. Mom, rest in peace until we meet again. Always in our hearts.

Shirley is survived by two daughters, Karen Papa and Linda Papa-Plaine (deceased husband Leslie Plaine); two grandsons, Brian Macejka (Jessica Sparks) and Todd Macejka (Ania); two great-grandchildren, Amelia Macejka and Brodie Macejka.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Hortenzio Papa and a sister, Helen Craig.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 7 pm Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am Thursday, July 22 at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 151 S. Main St; Gloversville, with the Rev Donald Czelusniak officiating. 

Mausoleum entombment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown. 

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society, 437 Nine Mile Tree Rd; Gloversville, NY 12078 or the American Heart Association,  PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005.

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com