GOUVERNEUR – Shirley Ann Absalon, age 85, of Gouverneur, passed away on April 3, 2024 at Summit Village in Watertown.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no funeral services. Arrangements are under the care of French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Donations in memory of Shirley may be made to Friends 4 Pound Paws or to a charity to assist the deaf.

Shirley was born on July 31, 1938 in Mexico, NY to the late Harry J. and Jennie Belle (Schofield) Hart. She married John J. Absalon, Jr. on September 9, 1954. Junior passed away on January 24, 2004.

Shirley loved her family and her animals. She enjoyed gardening, watching the dirt track races in Evans Mills, and was a great cook.

She is survived by her children, Clover Forsythe and her husband, Jeff, Steven Absalon and his companion, Melanie Turnbull, Robin Ordway and her husband, Robert, Krista Absalon, and Mandi Absalon (a granddaughter she raised). She is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Geri Hart, 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, and her good friends, her dog Lola and cats, Winston and Mr. White.

Shirley is predeceased by her parents, her husband, a son, Jamie Absalon, and a granddaughter, Nicole Absalon.