Shirley Mary (Galloway) Lemcke, 86, of Old Saybrook, formerly of Higganum, wife of the late Theodore Carl Lemcke, Jr., died on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, at Middlesex Health Shoreline Clinic in Westbrook. Shirley was born in Oswego, NY, the daughter of the late Harry and Helen (Hartigan) Galloway.

Shirley was employed as a Patient Care Tech at Middlesex Hospital for 40 years and was a pioneer of the hospice program. She continued to work private nursing duty until she finally retired at the age of 83.

Shirley is survived by her sons, Ted Lemcke and his wife Tami of North Carolina, Eric Lemcke and his wife Pam of Florida, daughters Kim Olbrias and her husband Michael of Colchester, Katherine Albon and her husband Scott of Old Saybrook, ten grandchildren, Connor Lemcke, Keenan Hally, Kyle Olbrias, Colin Olbrias, Owen Albon, Olivia Albon, Brett Albon, Bodie Barker, Nick Barker, and Seth Towle, sister, Gloria Ferrell of Florida, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Jack Ryan and James (Jimmy) Galloway.

Shirley was selfless; she always put everyone ahead of herself, even during these last few years when she found things became more difficult due to her health. Words cannot express the amount of love and kindness she spread throughout her life to everyone. Her home was open to everyone; 367 Hidden Lake Road, Higganum, was a house everyone gathered at and never will be forgotten. Her legacy will live on through her grandchildren whom she cherished. As Nanny would say, “Love you to the Moon and back.”

A Celebration of Life will be hosted by her daughter and son-in-law (Kim and Mike) on Oct 3 at 2 pm 185 Windham Ave. Colchester, CT 06415