Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Shirley was a graduate of Westinghouse High School and Carnegie-Mellon University. She was very active in the local CMU alumni organization, AAUW, Irondequoit Arts Council, and the United Methodist Church. She served on the Board of Directors for the Rochester United Methodist Home. 

After college graduation she worked as an executive secretary for Gulf Oil in Pittsburgh. Shirley moved to Rochester after she married and worked in HR at Eastman Kodak. She taught business at Ibero American Action League and Nazareth High School. She was the office manager at the Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center until she retired at the age of 75.

Survived by her husband of 66 years, Stephen E. Townsend; son, David S. Townsend; daughters, Wendy Townsend Irwin (George), Laurie Townsend Klem (Paul); 4 grandchildren, Addison and Annalise Irwin and Jean-Paul and Peter Klem; her sister, Audrey Kerber from Pittsburgh; niece, Kim Ragan (Steve); and nephew, Jeff Kerber (Kathy).

Friends may call Thursday, 4-7 PM at the funeral home (495 N. Winton Rd.). A Funeral Service will be held Friday, 11 AM at Covenant United Methodist Church, 1124 Culver Rd.