Shirley J. Gierka

WATERVLIET, NY – Shirley J. Gierka, 82, passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 20, 2010 with her family by her side. Born in Troy, she was the daughter of the late George and Helen (Cherney) Fairchild. Shirley lived in Watervliet for all of her life. She was a seamstress and worked for Cluett & Peabody, O'Brien's and more recently for Richmond Brothers from where she retired. Shirley was an avid reader and a talented seamstress who took great pride in making clothing for her family. Shirley was the beloved wife of the late Joseph A. Gierka. She is the beloved mother of Darlene (Nicholas) Vagianelis of Latham, Eugene (Cathy) Gierka of Hudson and the late Joseph J. Gierka. She is the loving sister of William (Neota) Fairchild of Kansas and the late Helen (Robert) Broderick and George (Pauline) Fairchild. Shirley is the cherished grandmother of Susan, John, Damon, Eugene and Caley. She is the great-grandmother of William, Amanda, Jack, Stella, Cole and the late Cathryn. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Shirley was also predeceased by her sister-in-law, Alice Fairchild.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (formerly St. Brigid's) Watervliet. There will be no calling hours. Interment will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Watervliet. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northeastern Association of the Blind, 301 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12203 or Center for the Disabled, 314 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 in memory of Shirley J. Gierka.