Obituary of Shirley Ann Nicosia

Shirley Ann (Empson) Nicosia, 87, died October 23, 2022, at home, after a short illness. She was born in Ulysses, Pennsylvania on November 9, 1935, the daughter of Gerald and Ada (Bennett) Empson. Shirley was a 1959 graduate of Mansfield State Teachers College and taught in Wellsville, New York, where she met, and on June 20, 1959, married Russell Nicosia. He predeceased her on September 29, 2020. They moved to Endicott and in 1961, became one of the first homeowners in Lincolnshire, Town of Owego, where they lived the rest of their lives with forever-friends and neighbors, all of them creating priceless memories for the families they raised there. Shirley was a lifelong reader and passed that, along with her love of anything with four feet—or hooves—down to her daughters and granddaughters. She spent every moment she could outside in the sun. She loved the neighborhood dogs and always had a stash of biscuits with her, ready to share. Shirley is survived by two daughters, Patsy Nicosia (David Spiess), Pamela Babcock; one son, Patrick Nicosia (Geralyn Timler); six grandchildren, Natalie Spiess, Holly Spiess, Michelle (Kevin) Hester, Bryan (Lauren) Babcock, Erin Nicosia, Ryan Nicosia; five great-grandchildren, Morgan, Avery and Owen Hester, Paxton and Lennon Babcock. A grandson, Michael Babcock, predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her brother, Gerald (Lena) Empson in 2009. Born six years apart, they shared the same birthday. Shirley's family is grateful for the staff of Angel's Helping Hands, especially Angel, Renee, Sheila, Becki and Toni for helping her spend her final years at home. There will be no services. The family is being assisted by the Estey Munroe Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley's name to the Broome County Humane Society, 17 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton, NY 13903. Condolences may be made to Shirley's family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.