Shirley Pitts, 90, Akwesasne

AKWESASNE – Shirley Pitts, 90, of Tony Barnes Road, peacefully passed away at her home Saturday evening, October 10, 2026 with the love of her family at her side.

Shirley was born in Akwesasne on June 26, 1936, the daughter of the late Michael and Elsie (Oakes) Thompson. She attended school in Akwesasne and Cornwall. On May 18, 1970, she married Lloyd Pitts at St. Raymond’s Catholic Church. He predeceased her on May 12, 2026.

Shirley first worked at General Electric in Syracuse before returning back to the area where she worked at Levi Straus in Cornwall. She was also a bartender at Tootie’s, where she met the love of her life, Lloyd. After their marriage, she dedicated her life to raising her family. Shirley was a member of Andrew W. Cook American Legion Post 1479 Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, the AMVET Auxiliary, and the Akwesasne Death Benefits Group. She enjoyed knitting, NASCAR, bowling, and socializing with her friends. She and her late husband enjoyed motorcycling, traveling, and enjoyed winters in Florida for many years.

Shirley is survived by her children, Gail Thomas of Akwesasne, Shannon (Curry) Rice of Akwesasne, Doris Thomas of Akwesasne, Floyd (Bertha) Thomas of Massena, Lorrie (Kennedy) Garrow of Akwesasne, and Nora (Gabe) Cook of Akwesasne; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Along with her parents and her husband, Shirley was predeceased by two sons, Scott Pitts and Bruce Thomas; a daughter, Lorna Thomas; a grandson, Kirk Ransom; a great-great-grandson, Eugene King; and her sister; Brenda Thompson.

Friends may call at her home, 71 Tony Barnes Road, starting at 5:00 PM Wednesday until the time of services on Friday at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in Visitation Cemetery, Norfolk.

Arrangements are under the care of the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where friends may share memories and offer condolences online at www.donaldsonfh.com.