Shirley A. Lanza

WEST ALBANY – Shirley A. (O'Keefe) Lanza, 82, passed away on Monday, April 23, 2012 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Albany in 1929 and was the daughter of the late John S. and Vera (Winne) O'Keefe. Shirley spent most of her life as a homemaker and devoted mother to her children.

Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband of sixty-one years, Bernard F. Lanza. She is survived by her devoted children: Bernard F. (Kathryn) Lanza Jr. and Robert W. (Linda) Lanza, all of North Port, FL, Kenneth C. (Christine) Lanza of Colonie, Cheryl A. (August) Franze of Burnt Hills, Anthony J. (Jeanette) Lanza of Colonie, Michael P. Lanza of Colonie and Vincent L. Lanza of Colonie. Shirley is the loving sister of William, Robert (Barbara), Richard (Diane) O'Keefe and Jane Marra. Also surviving are her cherished grandchildren: Amalia, Natalie and Benjamin Lanza, Robert C. Lanza, Aron Lanza, Kelly Kavanaugh, James, David and Matthew Franze, Heather and Stephanie Lanza, April Schraa and Nicole Timmons. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Shirley's health aide, Tahira Pittman for all of her help and assistance this past year.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Drive Loudonville. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Interment will be in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211 in memory of Shirley A. Lanza.