Shirley Welch

Shirley “Peachy” Welch, age 96, of Utica, entered into the hands of Our Lord and gained her heavenly angel wings on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving and nurturing family.

She was born in Utica on February 22, 1929, a daughter of the late Russell and Helen (Flaherty) Alger. Shirley also knew the love of Frank Janicke, her “Papa”, who became her second father (and his favorite) at the untimely passing of Russell when she was 8 years old.

Shirley was an extremely exceptional person right from the beginning. She shared her birthday with both her father and maternal grandmother and then proceeded to have two children share the same birthday two years apart.

She was raised and educated locally, first at Blessed Sacrament School and then at Utica Free Academy, graduating in 1947.

Shirley married Irving Welch in 1957, a union that lasted for 37 years, until his passing in 1994 when he was 64 years old.

Her primary vocation in life was to care for her family and home. She was a loving wife, an exceptional mother, who was unselfish, forgiving and loved each of her children unconditionally, always putting their needs and wants before her own, an amazing grandmother and a loving sister.

Although her children were always very special to her, her grandchildren truly gave her life meaning and gave her tremendous joy in her later years. “I love you to the moon and back.”

Shirley always had to be impeccably dressed, hair and makeup done and, of course, a watch and handkerchief wherever she went.

She loved shopping, cooking, gardening, sewing, knitting, reading and laundry, decorating for the holidays and hosting holiday dinners. Her favorite times were spent with her family creating everlasting and wonderful memories.

Shirley faced all of life’s challenges head-on with courage, resilience and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. “If you are going to do something, you might as well do it the right way.” Everything she did was always with enthusiasm and passion. There was never anything broken that she wouldn’t attempt to repair by herself, only asking for help if absolutely necessary. If anyone ever needed any type of odds or ends, she was always in possession of it and knew exactly where it was.

Even in her later years, she never lost her ability to drop an infamous one-liner, sometimes on purpose and other times due to her profound hearing loss at a young age. She definitely kept those around her entertained and smiling. “Redheads are sunshine mixed with a little hurricane.”

Her warm, stoic and feisty personality and welcoming smile will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. She brought light and warmth to every room she entered and gave of herself endlessly.

Surviving are her three children, Susan Welch of Utica, with whom she resided, Michael (Rhonda) Welch of Frankfort and Kathleen Welch of Clinton; her beloved grandchildren, Haleigh Welch (Wesley) of Herkimer and Shawn Welch of Utica; three sisters, Patricia Wentka of New Hartford, Bette (Michael) DiNardo of Utica and Mary (Whitney) Bord of Florida; her sister-in-law, Germaine Alger of Florida and many very special nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Russell Alger of Florida (whom she deeply missed) and her brother-in-law, Robert Wentka of New Hartford.

Shirley’s family would like to thank the Utica Fire Department for their assistance on numerous occasions, always in a professional and caring manner. There isn’t a past or present Utica Fireman she didn’t think highly of, although her son and grandson were her favorites. Thank you also to Hospice & Palliative Care for their guidance, care and compassion during her final journey. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Utica Fire Department or Hospice & Palliative Care in her memory.

Fly High Mamma – Tis A Wonderful Life.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 12:00 noon in Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church. The family will greet all visitors at the conclusion of mass in church.

Arrangements are with The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culer Avenue, Utica. Online sympathy www.scalaroefaro.com.