Shirley Prudom

Shirley “Duffy” Prudom

January 23, 2023

Shirley (Konz) Prudom, born in Perinton, NY, on May 10, 1932, and lifelong member of the Fairport United Methodist Church, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2023.  She was predeceased by her parents, Earnest and Cora Konz; brother and sister-in-law, Herbert Konz (June); and husband, Homer “Peanut” Prudom. Survived by her three daughters, Melanie Prudom (Drew Crafton), Melinda Patton (George “Jon”), and Lori Ashley (Gary Miller); and two grandchildren, Mallory Patton and Hunter Patton.  A memorial service, followed by luncheon, will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 11:00 a.m. at the Fairport United Methodist Church. 

Shirley was raised on George Street in Fairport with her older brother, Herbert, by their widowed mother, Cora (Spafford) Konz. Given the nickname “Duffy” by the father of a childhood friend, she grew up to be a curly-headed beauty with lots of freckles and a warm, dimpled smile. Her lifelong love for Fairport included her circle of elementary and high school friends. She was actively engaged in organizing reunions for many years.  

After graduating from Fairport High School in 1950, Shirley won a scholarship to the Genesee Hospital Nursing School.  She received her professional certification as a Registered Nurse in 1953) and loved her fellow nurses.  She was especially close to a few fellow students, and they enjoyed raising their families together. Shirley participated in the Brigham & Young Longitudinal Study on nurses’ health and was very proud of her long healthcare career.

In August 1954 Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Homer “Peanut” Prudom, and they moved to Pittsford in 1956. They lived on French Road for more than 30 years where they raised three girls – Melanie, Melinda, and Lori. The family enjoyed Steam Engine Association events, camping on Seneca Lake and Ontario Lake, and summer clambakes with the Coffee Breakers.  A tried-and-true Bills fan, Shirley attended the 1993 Super Bowl with her husband and cheered the team on through the best and worst of times.

Shirley worked the 11 pm to 7 am private duty shift for years while her daughters were growing up to support their Girl Scouts, dance/music, sports and school activities, and field trips. She worked at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse at Nazareth College, attending to aging nuns in the evenings. She was instrumental in helping Dr. David Hung establish his acupuncture office in Rochester and worked as a part-time assistant in the practice for 40 years.  

Shirley moved back to Fairport after Peanut’s passing to support her aging mother and re-establish her hometown roots. Her circle of friends grew to include the girls from Curves and she enjoyed playing cards, traveling, going out to lunch and garage sales, and swapping stories with all her friends – young and mature, old and new.

Shirley was a full-time wonderful, loving, and supportive mother not only to her three girls and her grandchildren, Mallory and Hunter, but also a surrogate aunt/mother to so many others over the years. She maintained Konz, Spafford, and Prudom family connections across the generations and kept a watchful eye on news of Pittsford and Fairport friends. She was a wonderful neighbor and a pet lover who enjoyed visits from furry creatures big and small. Her fascination with birds (and aversion to having them fly around her head!) gave her great joy over the years.

Shirley volunteered with the New York State Steam Engine Association, American Red Cross, Fairport Central Schools, and her church.  She helped established the FUMC Sunday Dinner program and was a grateful recipient of its delicious meals in the last years of her life.

Despite repeated invitations to move closer to her daughters, Shirley never wanted to live anywhere else.  She used the online moniker “Canaltownenurse” to proclaim her Upstate NY pride. Shirley’s deepest wish was to remain living in her own home, something made possible by her family, professional healthcare providers, church family, compassionate caregivers, and an awesome circle of dedicated friends and neighbors.  

The family is humbled and deeply grateful for their care and support

In lieu of flowers, donations to Lollypop Farm-Humane Society of Greater Rochester (lollipop.org), the Fairport United Methodist Church (fairportumc.org), or the charity of your choice would be most welcome.  Thank you.

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