Shirley Marquart Obituary

Shirley Sullivan Marquart

April 18, 1928 - September 10, 2025

AUBURN - With heavy hearts, we announce that our beloved Shirley Marquart, a lifelong resident of Auburn, passed away on September 10, 2025, at the vibrant age of 97, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born to Raymond and Bernadine Sullivan, Shirley grew up on Van Anden Street across from St. Aloysius Church and the Convent. She married the love of her life, Stubby, on May 11, 1957.

Shirley devoted her life to her family, raising their six daughters and later doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She generously gave her time to her community, volunteering for many years at the rectory of St. Alphonsus Church and singing in the choir. A devout Catholic, she never missed a morning without saying the rosary.

Shirley was a force of nature, full of laughter, warmth, and had a fierce love for her family. Always the life of the party, she was the first to arrive and the last to leave. Her home was a place of gathering, with Shirley's famous table at the heart of countless stories, dice games, and belly laughs. She loved reading, working on puzzles, relaxing on the front porch, and always enjoyed a good "night cap." A gifted storyteller, she loved to reminisce and share the rich memories of her life.

She is survived by her children: Katie (Alan) Kowalski, Patricia Marquart, Susan Marquart, Ann (Greg) Chalupnicki, Maureen (John) Baranick, and Lynn (Kenneth) Powers.

Her eleven cherished grandchildren: Megan Kowalski, Alison (AJ) Pellicciotti, Amanda (Andy) Leonello, Erin (Tim Smith) Chalupnicki, Ryan (Meg Cady) Chalupnicki, Timothy, Grace, and Jason Baranick, and Courtney, Kyle, and Matthew Powers.

And her adored great-grandchildren: Adeline, Leo, and Lilia Pellicciotti; Samuel and Ava Leonello; and Sophie Smith.

She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins, including special cousins, Kate Lacey, Marlene Long; and her godson, Bob Penafeather; and her dear friend, Rita Brown.

Shirley was predeceased by her beloved husband, her parents, and her brothers, Bill and Raymond Sullivan.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Farrell's Funeral Service, Inc., 84 South Street, Auburn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at St. Alphonsus Church, with the Rev. Louis Vasile officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Finger Lakes or the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry.