06/10/2026
Shirley J. Cashmere
Shirley Jean (Swanson) Cashmere peacefully passed from this earthly life into her heavenly home on June 10, 2026, following a brief illness, while surrounded by her loving children.
Shirley leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, enduring strength, and boundless love for her family. Despite living with a lifelong bone disease that brought many challenges and eventually confined her to a wheelchair, she refused to let her circumstances define her. Instead, she faced life with remarkable resilience, gratitude, and a positive spirit that inspired all who knew her.
Born in Auburn, New York, on January 31, 1943, Shirley was the daughter of the late Homer T. and Doris E. (Heit) Swanson. She graduated from Clyde High School in 1961 and later earned her degree from Freeman Business School in 1965. Shortly thereafter, she began a distinguished 44-year career at Cornell University. Throughout her years at Cornell, she served in several departments, including the Office of the President, before concluding her career in Mail Services, where she spent her final 20 years before retiring in 2009.
Faith was the foundation of Shirley's life. She was a devoted member of Clyde Methodist Church, St. Paul United Methodist Church in Ithaca, and most recently attended services at Paxinos Bible Church. Her faith guided her through life's joys and hardships and remained a source of comfort and strength throughout her years.
Above all else, Shirley loved her family. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her children and grandchildren. Shirley always ensuring they had the support, encouragement, and opportunities they needed. She filled their lives with love, support & encouragements. She found her greatest happiness in family gatherings, especially during the holidays, when she could watch loved ones come together in fellowship, laughter, and celebration. Summer chicken barbecues held a special place in her heart, often bringing back cherished memories of her younger years.
When she wasn't caring for her family, Shirley could often be found tending her beloved gardens. She had a deep appreciation for flowers, plants, and the beauty of the growing season. Each spring brought renewed excitement as she planned gardens, ordered seeds and bulbs, and nurtured new life. Her gift for cultivating beauty extended beyond her gardens and into every space she called home. Whether through flowers, decorations, or thoughtful touches, Shirley had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed and loved.
A talented and creative spirit, Shirley also enjoyed a variety of crafts, including embroidery and jewelry making. She loved visiting local craft fairs and finding new ways to create beauty around her. She was happiest when she was building, creating, learning, or making something special for others.
Shirley also shared her heart with the many pets she loved throughout her life, especially her beloved dogs, Shania, Reba, Dixie, and Gracie, who brought her great companionship and joy in her later years.
She will be deeply missed by her husband of nine years, Joseph Cashmere. Finding love again later in life brought Shirley tremendous happiness, and together they shared many treasured years surrounded by family and friends.
Shirley is survived by her children: Daryl Grant of Pennsylvania; Terrance Grant and his wife, Denise, of McKinney, Texas; Chad Grant and his wife, Penny, of Spencer, New York; Kevin Grant of Ithaca, New York; and Stacey Perry and her husband, Greg, of Elmira, New York. Her love extended deeply to her grandchildren, Katie Gustavson, Bryce Grant, Mya Grant, Morgan Perry, and MacKenzi Perry, as well as her great-grandchildren, Isabel, Luca, and Emma. Shirley loved watching her family grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and sharing in the milestones of their lives. The love she gave so freely will continue to live on through each of them.
She is also survived by her brother, Donald Swanson and his wife, Kanae, of LeRoy, New York; her sister, Diane Farr and her husband, Glenn, of Florida; She was recently predeceased by her sister, Eileen Tavaglione, of Morgantown, West Virginia.
Shirley will be remembered for her kindness, strength, creativity, faith, and the extraordinary love she shared with those around her. Her life was a testament to perseverance, grace, and devotion to family. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.
In lieu of services the family is planning a private Celebration of Shirley's life at a future time.
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