Happiest birthday in heaven Mom. You no longer have to say "How'd i get this old?" Cuz you're forever young! We miss you every day!! Love you!!!

For my sisters and brothers, I love you - Mary

Lyrics

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees
around the world below,
with tiny lights like heavens stars
reflecting in the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away the tear
for I am spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
but the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring,
for it is beyond description
to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me
I see the pain inside your heart
but I am not so far away
we really aren't apart.

So be happy for me dear ones,
you know I hold you dear
and be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus this year.

I sent you a special gift,
from my heavenly home above
I sent you each a memory
of my undying love.

After all love is a gift more
precious than pure gold
it was always most important
in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
as my Father said to do
for I can't count the blessings or love
He has for each of you.

So have a merry Christmas and
wipe away that tear
remembering I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

The holidays have just gotten underway and my heart aches with missing you mom. My earliest memories of Christmas are of the loving and selfless person you were in ensuring that we would know the love of family and the true celebration of Christmas - Jesus' birth. I remember the tiny home we 7 kids grew up in and can not believe you and dad could ever find places to hide presents before Christmas morning! No matter how tight times may have been you always found a way to make Christmas amazing. From our family and friends celebrating Christmas Eve to waking Christmas morning, you always made this season magical. Then there were the unbelievable meals, homemade cookies and pies. I'll forever be in awe of the outstanding and devoted mother you were and I'll spend my life trying to be even partially as great a mom to John Bennett as you were to me. I love you mom and I miss you every day. Merry Christmas.

Hi Mommy. It's October 23, 2015 and it has been nearly 8 months since we lost you. Although we all have that faith that you instilled in us that you are not "gone" but are only in a different "form" now, your physical touch and presence are so very much missed by so many people, especially your family. It has been such a beautiful week with almost 70 degree weather and sunshine glistening the gorgeous fall foliage reminding me so much of how you loved this time of year. How i wish I was able to enjoy these days with you talking and laughing on the porch, I truly believe that you are with me in spirit but I just want to hug and kiss you and I MISS YOU! so it is here that I tell you that even though my heart hurts without you, I find comfort in knowing that you are at peace, without pain, dancing with the angels, "hanging out" with Paul and Mary and (anyone who knew you knows) all the neighborhood "kids" (Jamie and Sky especially) and that you are wiping away my tears right now with your arms around me. I LOVE YOU MOM!! XOXOXOXOX Cherie Baby

When I was a little girl, mom would take me over to Grandma's house on Golfview drive so we could all spend time together. One of my favorite memories of being there was my gram's marble collection. She had about 20 bright blue marbles in a container that I would always grab off the shelf to play with. I haven't seen that collection since I was little, we have no idea where they ended up throughout all of her moves. My little nomad she was :) Today is Grandma's birthday, so I decided to go spend the day at my mom's house. When i arrived I started walking down our gravel driveway to say hello, when I all of a sudden noticed a bright blue marble in the rocks. Identical to the ones she had. I posted a picture of it on this site. Gram always told us she was going to leave us signs that her soul and love still lived on. I know she dropped that little marble from heaven right where i would see it, on the day that means so much to us right now. I am so grateful that her love is so strong, and that I am able to say I am part of such a beautiful person. Happy birthday gramcracker, we love you too.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful mother. I miss you so much every day!
I can't believe we're not celebrating our birthdays together this year but somehow I know we are. I love you!

My earliest recollection of Shirley, was being her "Flower Girl" in she and my brother Pat's wedding. I so remember the beautiful flower girl dress, and the ceremony seeming "soooo long"....just wanted to sit down and rest. Then came the Reception.....I remember loving hearing the band play "In The Mood" by Glen Miller....which came to be one of my favorite tunes in years to follow. I felt so special, to be part of my brother's wedding. As years followed....I was stunned that Shirley and Pat requested my "babysitting" services at 9 years of age. OMG...Terry and Michael....you were a handful for a 9 year old....but we got through it! LOL! Theresa...you were a gem.....Mikey..I walked so much with you in my arms in that Lakewood home....I think I wore out the floor! I still remember what an "immaculate" housekeeper Shirley was. Made sure that if I ate anything (my brother Pat always make sure there were Pop and Chips available) that I never left a crumb anywhere. Going forward many years, Shirley introduced me to the world of life beyond earth. Horoscopes....Angels, Etc. To which I am very grateful. She introduced me to a lifelong psychic friend, who remains in contact with me today, and I cherish his friendship and abilities. So here is to you Shirley.....for the influence you had on my life, as Pat's little Sister. Know our paths will cross......again.
Hugs,
Ann

hi Momma. just wanted to let you know how much I miss you!! i know that you know but I just needed to talk to you and this is a place that I can share my thoughts with you. so Jim and I are going to the black tie auction/benefit that we have been going to for alot of years now and I miss that you are not here to help me zip my gown and give your opinion on the jewelry that i picked out. but i feel your presence and know that you approve. I am wearing the gown that you had altered for me because it wasn't "quite right" when I wore it last. So it made me think of you more than ever and I just want you to know that I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK A BILLION TIMES and I don't ever think I will get used to the fact that you are not here physically to share in all that we do. i feel you spiritually but sometimes that just isn't enough so I needed to send you a billion and one yellow roses and a huge hug and bigger KISS. you are FOREVER in my heart!

From Janette:
I can't even begin to express the love and admiration that I have for this wonderful lady. She mothered or grandmothered everyone who was fortunate enough to have her in their lives, and she did so with no questions asked and without expecting anything in return. I can't even put into words how she touched my life in so many ways and the lives of my children (who call her Grandma Shirley). She was kind enough to make our wedding cake when Chuck and I were married almost 20 years ago, which made our day even more special. She told wonderful stories, gave great advice, and came from a spiritual plane that I can only hope to reach someday. May the Lord be there to welcome her into his Kingdom with loving arms. Love you Shirley!
~ Janette Tuma, North Olmsted, Ohio

From Cher:
Thursday, March 05, 2015
Momma - You have given so much of yourself to your family, friends and acquaintances during your lifetime that it is now time for you to reap the reward and be at peace. You gave so much and asked for nothing in return. Even when you were hurting yourself, you somehow found it in you not to complain but to undertake whatever the day had in store for you. You will be FOREVER missed and remembered by me, this family and so so many others every day. My life has been so blessed to have such a strong, hard working, giving, loving, caring woman in it. you were ALWAYS there for me be it to wipe away tears and comfort me in sadness or to laugh and share in the joys of life. You were a remarkable teacher who taught me everything from making an amazing gravy to fixing a broken washing machine. There was no challange too great for you to undertake and YOU have instilled that in me as I can only hope to pass on to Ashley and she to her children. YOU were my mother to guide me and my friend to confide in. You were an AMAZING woman who was there for ANYONE who needed you for ALL that you had to offer from the "Golfview neighborhood kids" to the stranger on the street who needed a ride. You deserve to be with your baby girl Mary and your son Paul who you missed every day since they've been gone. Rest in everlasting peace with them and the angels until we meet again. Thank you Mom for a remarkable journey. I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK!!
Cherie Baby
p.s. remember that you promised to visit tactfully :)

I just wanted to say Thank you to Mrs. Garrity. She was an important part of my adolescence . I am not sure how my childhood would have affected me without her. Many people believed my life was easy - Mrs. Garrity knew differently. My mother had several nervous breakdowns that had my brother and myself living with my aunt for 6 months. Shirley knew my mother well so she took it upon herself to "mother" me as her own. I spent more time at her house then my own. I can not explain how much admiration I had for her... no matter what life has dealt her, she was still a strong God loving woman. Her legacy is certainly that of LOVE which as it is known, is the most precious of all "gifts." I will always cherish my memories at the "Garrity" house and my friendship with Mary Ellen. I have twin toddlers now and have been thinking of you on and off for about 2 years because my one son Jacob has your smile (I tell myself he has your genes since you were my "other mom") see, in so many ways- you will always be remembered!
Being a Christian woman (now strong in faith) I will keep your family in prayer, I know that losing you is going to hit them hard. You are loved and will be missed, until we meet again.
I love you!
~ Tracy Kelley ( Ianni ), Leesburg, Virginia |

Shirley was special to me and I thoroughly enjoyed our times together. When I was in her presence, her smile and good nature always permeated through. Our time spent together were always filled with great conversation and admiration. Heaven needed an angel and God sent for Shirley. Her memory is a wonderful treasure that I will hold in my heart. My prayers and condolences to the family. Shirley, you will be missed!

I can’t even begin to express the love and admiration that I have for this wonderful lady. She “mothered” or “grandmothered” everyone who was fortunate enough to have her in their lives, and she did so with no questions asked and without expecting anything in return. I can’t even put into words how she touched my life in so many ways and the lives of my children (who call her “Grandma Shirley”). She told wonderful stories, gave great advice, and came from a spiritual plane that I can only hope to reach someday. May the Lord be there to welcome her into his Kingdom with loving arms. Love you Shirley!

A message was sent to you by Colleen Eaton
I am very sorry to hear about your mother's passing. Please know that you and the entire Garrity family are in my thoughts and prayers. I moved away many years ago but I will never forget your mom. She had the patience of a saint. She was truly one of a kind. I hope that you find comfort knowing that she is at peace. Please send my condolences to your family. God Bless.

Ive been taught so many talents, and have been given so many special traits from my grandmother. Ive been able to hear a vast amount of stories, both fictional and nonfictional, that I will be sure to share with my loved ones throughout my entire future. There are no words that will ever describe how much she will be missed. By myself, my family, my friends, and even people that only knew her for an instant. She was my best friend. I'll always remember the story of the three princesses with the shoes she would tell me as a child at nap time. Yet It wasnt only a few months ago that i crawled in her bed and cuddled up close, asking her to tell me the same story. Because it always made me smile. I have many memories that im happy to have caught on tape, in pictures, and in pure memories. From the day i was old enough she told me, that the soul will always live on. That the people who are dear to you will always be close and will always love you and watch over you. I still feel her in spirit, and always will. Words can never express how she will be missed, yet my love for her will always live on in everything that i do.

Grandma Shirley was a second grandma to me. She always had the best advice and stories. She always seemed to lighten up the situation and always had a good time. She touched the lives of so many people with her happy spirit. I can't forget to mention her incredible cakes either. We will love and miss you.

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be.
So he put His arms around you and He whispered "Come to me".
With tearful eyes we watched you, and knew you passed away.
Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Shirley was such a very special person and so full of life! I will miss the summer visits at the Gnew's house when we would drive up on the golf cart, Shirley would sit on the porch with Milo at her side and we would chat until dark, or when she would read my cards, or visits to the IA. She was such a blessing to me in so many ways, especially when I lost my own Dad. Rest in peace Shirley.

Shirley always said that I was her "very own personal librarian". She was a voracious reader and would often read a novel in one day. She would give me beautifully handwritten lists of books she was interested in and would anxiously await their arrival. I will think of her often when I am surrounded by all the books she so loved.
Shirley was an angel, a mom to us all, and loved by all.

We met last winter and we had made lots of plans so you could come here during this summer to visit us so you could see our home . I put that picture that you told me to rang in the living room.But God had other plans and we can't fight that! You gave Michael and I your bless and we are forever thank you for that! My American mom! I will miss you so much! Te amo muito! Obrigada por tudo ! Olga

The Watcher

She always leaned to watch for us
Anxious if we were late,
In winter by the window,
In summer by the gate.

And though we mocked her tenderly
Who had such foolish care,
The long way home would seem more safe,
Because she waited there.

Her thoughts were all so full of us,
She never could forget,
And so I think that where she is
She must be watching yet.

Waiting ‘til we come home to her
Anxious if we are late
Watching from Heaven’s window
Leaning from Heaven’s gate.

"IF ROSES GROW IN HEAVEN"

If Roses grow in Heaven
Lord, please pick a bunch for me.
Place them in my Mother's arms
and tell her they're from me.

Tell her that I love her and miss her,
and when she turns to smile,
place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for awhile.

Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
but there's an ache within my heart
that will never go away.

Author: Kirsten Preus

Famous family quote-
" Mother, will you please quit bringing those things home"
Theresa M. Garrity, December 1961, Upon arrival of the newest addition to the family.

f tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane, I’d walk
right up to heaven and bring you
home again.