Mrs. Ethel M. Sharlow, 87, of 29 Beach Street, passed away Sunday morning, March 27, 2011, at Massena Memorial Hospital. In 2008, Ethel was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s requiring in home care provided by dear friends, Anne Borsellino and Sandy Cunningham. In October 2009, she entered the St. Regis Nursing Home, where she remained until Wednesday when she was transferred to the hospital.

Ethel was born on September 22, 1923 in Massena, the daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine Bregg Szaybel. She graduated in 1940 from Massena Central School where she also did some post graduate work. On April 24, 1942, she married Raymond G. Sharlow at St. Mary’s Rectory with Rev. D.T. Lyddy, officiating. Ray predeceased her on April 12, 2002.

During World War II, she worked as a typist-secretary at Alcoa. She was a devoted homemaker and mother to her two children. Ethel was a devout catholic and communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she was a lector and religious education instructor. She also cleaned the altar of the church for many years. She was known for her baking skills and knitting hats and mittens for the neighborhood children and the hats for the little babies at the hospital. She was an avid golfer and was a member of the Massena Country Club for many years. She also was a member of the Badminton Team, with whom she traveled extensively.

Ethel is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Debra Sharlow of Brookfield, CT; her daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Carl Seyforth of Malone; five grandchildren, Stephanie, Scott, Ellery, Katie, and Logan; four great grandchildren, Garrett, Hadley, Jack, and Henry; her sister, Irene Pratt of Massena; and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by an infant son, Alton, at birth; her sister, Yoland Manville; and three brothers, John in infancy, Stephen and Joseph Szaybel.

Friends may call at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, Monday (TODAY), 4-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. J. Michael Gaffney, celebrating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Massena.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Mary’s Church Memorial Fund or Trinity Catholic School Endowment Fund.

Condolences may be made online at www.donaldsonfh.com.