Shirley Ann Myers

Albany – Shirley Ann Myers, 69, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 30, 2023, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, with family by her side. Born in Schenectady, NY, she was the daughter of the late Russell Edward Swanker, Sr. and Irene Vines Swanker. In 1988, Shirley joined the faculty of The Music Studio. Instantly, she was indispensable. Over the course of a 34 year career, she was a devoted teacher to thousands of students: from preschoolers to advanced high school pianists to adult learners. She encouraged and guided not just her own students but every child who crossed paths with her at The Music Studio, whether rehearsing for a show, lining up for a recital, or just sitting on the bench waiting for a lesson. Mrs. Myers (as they knew her) bestowed on all of them her good cheer, her practical wisdom, her humor, and her joy in making and sharing music. They loved her and she loved them; she was always thrilled to see them when they came back to see her years after graduating, as they so often did. Mrs. Myers taught kindness and dedication along with music, and all three will long reverberate through her students' lives. Shirley was the music director and organist for Christ Our Light Catholic Church in Loudonville, and organist at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham. She was the loving wife of Rodney C. Myers, having just celebrated 33 years of marriage. She is also survived by her brother Russell Swanker, Jr. (Diane) and sister Suzanne Lequire, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Judith Swanker, Janan Frenger (Henry), and Robert Swanker (Kathy). Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Shirley’s family on Friday, October 6, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville, NY 12211. Shirley’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 9:00 at Christ Our Light Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will immediately follow the Mass at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Shirley in a special way, are asked to make a contribution to any charity of your choice. To leave Shirley’s family a message on their guestbook, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.mcveighfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Shirley Ann Myers

January 23, 1954 - September 30, 2023