Remembering CNY Branch Pen Woman Shirley Waters

An incredible woman and longtime member of the Central New York Branch of NLAPW passed away on December 23, 2021, at the age of 100. Shirley was accomplished in so many ways. She most recently lived at the Masonic Home in Utica, NY.

Shirley was a former vice president of the Rome Sentinel Company and, until 2012, the majority owner where she actively participated in newspaper management. She continued to serve as a director until her passing. She was devoted to her husband, George, and spent her days visiting his section of the Lodge until his passing in 2018. They were married for 74 years. She had five children and many grandchildren.

Shirley served on many boards and was active in her support of women’s rights, contributing regularly to the Matilda Jocelyn Gage Foundation. She served as a trustee of the Munson-Proctor Institute and SUNY College of Technology Foundation Board, a board member of Sculpture Space, Rome College Foundation, Industrial Labor Education Council of the Mohawk Valley, Emergency Psychiatric Social Service Board, Central New York Community Arts Council, as vice chair of New York Newspapers Foundation, on the allocations committee of United Arts Fund of the Mohawk Valley, and on Mohawk Valley Women’s History Project.

She embodied what it means to be a Pen Woman.

[From a tribute written by Janet Fagal that appears on the NLAPW website.]