Shirley T. Niznik, 91, of Utica, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2016, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center with loving family by her side. Born on March 10, 1924, she was the daughter of the late George A. Keene, Sr. and Carrie L. Stopper. She was raised and educated in Utica. On November 10, 1945, she married Walter J. Niznik at St. Francis deSales Church, a blessed union of 66 years, until his passing in 2012. Shirley was employed for many years at Horrocks-Ibbotson Co, and retired from Commercial Travelers. Shirley was a devoted wife, loving and supportive mother, and a proud grandmother. She was a woman of great faith and a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church for many years, most recently, Our Lady of Lourdes Church. With her husband, Walter, she was an active member of the Vets Club, VFW, American Legion, and the 40&8. Shirley and her beloved Walter enjoyed participating in all of the many social activities with their extended family and friends. She enjoyed her family to no end. Shirley had a rich life filled with the love of her mother and father, husband, brother, sisters, sons, daughters, in-laws, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many dear friends that she considered family. She leaves a legacy of unconditional love that nurtured generations. Her quick wit and honest take on life always kept conversations lively at family gatherings. Her rare talents in the kitchen also kept her grandchildren asking for Grandma's meatballs and golumpki and everyone else looking for the secret recipes. Shirley was, in every way, a great woman of character and traditional values who dedicated her life to all of those around her. She was one of a kind. We will miss her deeply but are joyful that she is now reunited with her beloved Walter. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Walter; her parents, George and Carrie; sisters, Margaret Besig, Mary Keene, Florence Ruskowski, Lillian Gallagher, Gertrude Williams, Alice Cats, Dorothy Lauterbach, Charlotte Tomaino and Patricia Gray; brother, George Keene, Jr.; and five brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law. She is survived by sons, Thomas and Charles of Utica; her daughters, Cynthia Benoit and her husband David of Deerfield, and Diane Comer and her husband Shawn of Skaneateles; eleven grandchildren, Thomas and Joshua Niznik, Carrie Jones, Christopher Roberts, Bethanne Dye, Sarah Waskiewicz, Amanda and William Benoit, Jack, Rory, and Caitlin Comer; twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. She also leaves sister-in-law, Jenny Biernat and brother-in-law, Matthew Niznik; as well as many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to call Tuesday, February 23, 4:00-7:00 PM at Bentz Funeral Service, Inc., 13 Oxford Rd, New Hartford. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 24 at 10 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family would like to thank the doctors, especially Rashid Girshab MD, and the nursing staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their compassionate care. "Mother, you left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you're always at our side".