Malta, NY - Bernice Crosby Shirley passed into God's loving arms on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at the age of 91. She was the fourth of six children born to the late Joseph and Florence Crosby of Syracuse, NY. Bernice attended Kenmore Academy of the Sacred Heart before joining the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Corondolet for 35 years. She received her BA and MA in History from the College of St Rose. Throughout her life she was always a teacher- seeking out the children and youth who needed the most- often children with developmental disabilities or emotional challenges. Several of those years were at BOCES. In the mid 70's she met and later married Robert B. Shirley. They spent many happy years at the Embury Apartments in Saratoga Springs helping with the gardens and the office. Bob passed away in 1988. In addition to her parents and her husband, Bernice was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and William Crosby and a sister, Marie Delaney. Survivors include her sisters, Sister Eileen Crosby of Latham, NY and Patricia Crosby of Syracuse, NY; step- daughter , Taber Rehbaum of Ester, AK; step-son, R. Bruce Shirley Jr. of Schuylerville, NY; her step-grandchildren; several nephews, nieces, cousins and her special friends, Bob and Barb Wilson of Burnt Hills, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30am Saturday, Jan. 5, 2012 at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs followed by a gathering of family and friends at The Wesley Community,131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Spring Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made in her name to Saratoga Emergency Corps Inc., 166 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.