Shirley Altoft, 76

Shirley Ruth Barber Altoft, age 76, of Fairfax City, died on October 30, 2014 from complicating conditions of breast cancer. She was born in Sardinia, NY, grew up in Cattaraugus County, NY, and attended Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY where she received her degree as a Registered Nurse. Equally important, Shirley met her husband, George B. Altoft, while attending Roberts. Married for almost fifty- five years, they made their home in Northern Virginia, of which the last forty years were spent in their home in Fairfax City.

Shirley enjoyed a fulfilling and rewarding nursing career of 38 years prior to her retirement. As much as she excelled at her given profession, she was ultimately devoted to her husband and three daughters, Diana Lynn Altoft, Lisa Dawn Altoft Jacobs, and Katherine (Kathy) Sue Altoft Lerche. She is survived by her husband, George, their three daughters, and four wonderful grandchildren who became the center of her world. Lisa’s daughter, Rachel and Kathy’s three sons, Erik, Mark and Ian had the best grandmother a child could ask for, sharing her love of gardening, nature, arts and crafts and cooking with them from a very early age. They were the light of her life and she treasured even the briefest moment with each of them.

Shirley was known for her wisdom, beauty, dynamic personality and her wry sense of humor. Although she enjoyed traveling, oil painting, and working in her beautiful garden, her family was the most important part of her life.

As in every aspect of Shirley’s life and throughout her battle with cancer, she remained positive, focused and determined to complete her task. With the benefit of hospice and surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday morning she joined her Heavenly Father as gracefully as she lived her life. Each time she was hospitalized, her focus was to get home, so she could get “home.”

Shirley was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed by her earthly family. We celebrate the end of her suffering and rejoice in knowing that she is now enjoying our wonderful family in heaven. We will look forward to the day when we are all together again - in God’s time.

Shirley, Mom, Grandma,
As much as you are missed, we celebrate your life and the many wonderful memories you blessed us with.
We all love you so much,
George, Diana, Lisa, Kathy, Erik, Mark, Ian and Rachel.

Memorial visitation is from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road. Services will follow at the funeral home.

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