July 30, 1926 – July 20, 2022

Happiness is to hold flowers in both hands
-Japanese proverb

Avid gardener, dearest Mother and grandmother, Shirley has left an indelible mark on many of our hearts.

From her days at Women of Rotary in Rochester, where she was a past president, to her years volunteering at Sonnenberg Gardens, her love of nature was a lifelong passion. She was known for her graciousness, sense of humor and sunny smile.

Anyone who knew Shirley also knew she was a voracious reader, who always had a book in her hand. She often wrote down quotes that inspired her to share with her friends. She was well known and loved at the Victor Library.

Shirley is pre-deceased by her husband William H. Gannett, former Director of the Rochester Convention and Publicity Bureau.

She is survived by her three daughters; Deborah Jean Gannett a former federal prosecutor in the District of New Jersey and attorney in Ontario County, Karen Anne Gannett, a teacher in Sarasota, Florida, and Susan Tiffany Gannett, who shared Shirley’s love of gardening.

She is also survived by her two grandchildren, Clemence Gannett Breslin and Cameron Gannett Breslin, to whom she was affectionately known as “G-Ma”. Her passion for nature and the outdoors lives on in Cameron and her dedication to public service lives on in Clemence.

Her gardens at Walnut Hill Farm in Victor, where she lived for over half a century are a testament to her loving care.

She passed peacefully at Strong Memorial Hospital with family by her side.

Please join us to celebrate Shirley’s wonderful life at a Celebration of Life at Miller Funeral Home (301 W Main St Victor, NY 14564) on Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Please bring a small bouquet from your own garden to the service in lieu of flowers. Just a handful would be appreciated.

And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the wind longs to play with your hair -Khalil Gibran