WILLISTON — Shirley M. Rounds, 93, peacefully passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on April 30, 2021.

Shirley was born on Aug. 29, 1927, in Syracuse, N.Y., the daughter of Marion (Flachsland) and John Moynihan. In 1947 she married the love of her life, Robert L. Rounds, in Syracuse N.Y. Their 60 years of marriage were a true testament of love and their greatest joy and accomplishments were creating a loving family that now spans generations.

She may have been petite in size, but her legacy is unequaled. Mom to four children: Karen Rounds, John Rounds, Kathleen McKennan, and Cindy Sander; Nana to nine grandchildren; and great-grandmother to eight, the ninth due on her birthday this August.

Shirley knew no strangers and had a marvelous ability to leave a lasting impression on anyone she met. Her circle of friends extended near and far. She turned regular moments into cherished memories and passed on countless traditions. She taught her family to leave room at the table for whoever may walk through the door and to always give blue a chance.

She was dignified in both dress and demeanor and although she hosted some of the most extravagant gatherings, she would exchange it all for a night surrounded by family. She had a twinkle in her blue eyes that could light up a room and a glare that could clear it, a trait she passed down to members of each successive generation.

Shirley was a master of everything she attempted and loved being a lifelong learner. She enjoyed continuing education from her early years in the medical field to volunteering at Home Health & Hospice and the Williston Food Shelf.  She was a longtime member of the local P.E.O Chapter H, a philanthropic organization for the advancement of women through educational scholarships. She was active at both the Middlebury Congregational Church and the Williston Federated Church.

Shirley was progressive in her views and actions and embraced the many changes she experienced during her 93 years.  She tackled technology and mastered her computerized sewing and embroidery machines while attending a cherished sewing circle where she made as many friends as she did family heirlooms.

Shirley is survived by her four children: Karen Rounds (wife Cathy Michaels) of Williston, Vt.; John Rounds (wife Pamela) of Bozeman, Mont.; Kathleen McKennan (husband Timothy Cope) of Middlebury, Vt.; and Cindy Sander (Fiancée Jim Ciecerski) of Brewerton, N.Y.; as well as her grandchildren Erik Yager (wife Jacki) and their daughters, Rachel, Samantha and Ali of Bozeman, Mont.; Kristen Veltkamp and daughter Emma Johnson (fiancée Taylor Mussard) of Belgrade and Dillon Mont.; Meghan Dishaw (husband Josh) and children Hatley and Greeley of Middlebury, Vt.; Colin McKennan (wife Tracy) and sons Ryker and Tyson of Elizabeth, Colo.; Matt Rounds (wife Allie) of Belgrade, Mont.; Ben Sander of Bozeman, Mont.; and Lisa Rounds of South Burlington, Vt. She is also survived by cousins Judy Murray of Baldwinsville, N.Y.; Linda Balducci (husband Jim) of Skaneateles, N.Y., and a wealth of friends whom she considered family.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband Bob, granddaughter Sarah Sander and son-in-law, Michael Sander each of whom she adored. 

The family is forever grateful to the staff at Bayada Home Health Care and Armistead Home Care for making Shirley laugh, keeping her company, and for their kind and compassionate care.

A private family celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2022 at Oneida Lake where Shirley and Bob built a camp and spent the summers with their family.

Her spirit lives on in the bluest of blues, a warm bite of pie, and in the hearts of all those who loved her and who felt her love in return. For those who wish, donations in her honor can be made to The Williston Community Food Shelf: 400 Cornerstone Dr. #130, Williston, VT 05495◊