Shirley Matteson, age 89 of Avoca, N.Y., passed away at the Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital on Thursday, January 22, 2026, following a brief illness.

Shirley was a business teacher for the Savona and the Campbell/Savona school districts proudly serving from 1979 - 1999. She greatly enjoyed her position and the opportunity to serve the students and community through her love of business education. Her teaching experiences provided her with many moments that she loved to recount with friends and family right up to the end of her life.

Shirley was born in Springfield, Arkansas on May 9, 1936, the daughter of Elmer and LaVerne Rhoden. She came from a large family and was one of 7 siblings. She graduated from Canalou High School in Missouri in 1953. On July 19, 1956, she married Eugene Matteson. Soon afterward, they moved to New York and bought a farm in Avoca. They started a family and had 3 children who survive- Margaret Matteson (Springwater, N.Y.), Stanley Matteson (Avoca, N.Y.), and Harry Matteson (Avoca, N.Y.)

In addition to raising her family, Shirley returned to school and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Education from Alfred University in 1979 and a Master's Degree in Business with Administrative Certification from Brockport University in 1983.

Shirley knew and appreciated the value of hard work and education, always making it her goal to instill these values in her students and in her own children. She also had a passion for music and would sit and help her children for hours at the piano.

Shirley greatly enjoyed her farm and her family. She loved to travel and shop with her husband, Eugene. They made many trips "South" to see family and friends.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Eugene in 2013.

Shirley was very kind and gentle and will be greatly missed by many.

Friends and family may gather at Fagan's Funeral Home, 31 West Morris Street Bath, N.Y. on Friday, Jan 30, 2026, from 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Valley View Cemetery in Avoca.