Shirley M (Templeton) Polgreen

Schenectady – Shirley M. Polgreen, 84, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, December 21st, 2021. Shirley was born in Amsterdam, NY to her parents, the late Alexander and Ethel Templeton. She spent the majority of her life in the Bellevue neighborhood of Schenectady and was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School. Shirley worked for many years as a switchboard operator at the New York Telephone Company. Shirley spent as much time as possible at her camp on Galway Lake where she enjoyed kayaking, picnickingwith her family and watching the sailboat races. Shirley was a natural caregiver, whether caring for her brother Alex for 25 years or babysitting her grandchildren, she always tended to the needs of those around her. She was a longtime member of Broadway United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and organized the church’s newsletter. More recently, Shirley was a member of Rotterdam United Methodist Church. She will be deeply missed. Shirley leaves behind her three daughters, Deborah Hajjar (Camille), Dana Palleschi and Darlene Lawyer (Keith); grandchildren, Christina Merwin (Ian), Adam Lawyer, Matthew Lawyer, Deanna Hajjar, Nathaniel Polgreen, and April Buechner as well as her daughter-in-law, Katie Polgreen. Shirley was predeceased in September of this year by her husband of 44 years, Henry W. Polgreen. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Deanna Preddice; her brother, Alex Templeton; step-son, David Polgreen and son-in-law, Oliviero Palleschi. Services will be held privately. Shirley will be laid to rest with Henry at Hagaman Mills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rotterdam United Methodist Church, 1915 Helderberg Ave., Schenectady, NY 12306.