Shirley M. Van Lare Knapp Johnston passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the age of 95, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her father, Arnold Van Lare; her mother, Sarah Hartogh Van Lare Wahl; her devoted son, Paul W. S. Knapp; her loving former husband and best friend, Sheldon R. Knapp; and her husband, Glenn R. Johnston. Shirley is survived by her children, Thomas R. (Jeanne) Knapp, Susannah E. (Micheal Lazzaro) Knapp, Jane S. Holley, Margaret L. (Robert) Leuwen, and John D. Knapp. She also leaves behind eleven cherished grandchildren and twenty-four beloved great-grandchildren, who brought her great joy.

Born on May 23, 1931, at the Route 21 mink farm in Marion, New York, Shirley moved to Palmyra with her mother as a young girl and attended Palmyra High School. After graduating, she began working for Dr. Bramer, serving the needs of the local community. Following her marriage to Sheldon, she devoted herself to raising their family, embracing motherhood as one of the most meaningful chapters of her life. She also shared her creativity and artistic talents by teaching ceramics from her home, bringing people together through a craft she enjoyed. Later in her career, Shirley worked at Mobile Chemical, where she built a successful career in research and development. Her dedication and ingenuity led to several patents bearing her name before she retired.

Some of Shirley’s happiest memories were made watching her children grow up and spending time together at the family cottage in Sodus Point. Her home was always a place of warmth, kindness, and love, with an open door for friends, neighbors, and members of the local community. She had a generous spirit and a welcoming heart that made everyone feel at home. Shirley took immense pride and joy in watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow, pursue their dreams, achieve their goals, and find happiness in life. Their accomplishments and milestones brought her great pride, and their happiness was among her greatest blessings. She treasured each generation and found deep fulfillment in seeing her family thrive, knowing that the love she nurtured would continue to grow for generations to come.

Shirley was also a proud member of the Reverse Curves Quilting Club, where her love of quilting and eye for beautiful fabric were well known. She never passed up a piece of fabric she loved, a reflection of her creativity and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures.

Shirley will be remembered for her devotion to family, her welcoming nature, her remarkable accomplishments, and the love she shared across generations. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the family she cherished so deeply. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A graveside service honoring Shirley’s life will be held on Monday, October 19, at 11AM at Palmyra Village Cemetery, 272 Vienna St., Palmyra, NY 14522. Immediately following the burial, a continued celebration of Shirley’s life will be held Williamson Driftriders, 7639 N. Centenary Rd., Sodus, NY 14551.

To leave the family an online condolence, please visit Shirley’s online guestbook www.murphyfuneralservices.com.