Longtime antiques dealer Shirley J. Gordon died March 31, 2011, after a yearlong struggle with pancreatic cancer, and later under the care of hospice.

Shirley was born in Plattsburgh on November 3, 1928, the daughter of Dorothy L. (Bates) and Gilbert H. Jessey. She graduated from Plattsburgh High School, Class of 1946, and after graduation worked for Howard Time Sale’s and later as a teller at the National Commercial Bank. She married Philip J. Gordon of Plattsburgh on June 18, 1950, and had two daughters, Lynn Laclair and Julie Ross, both of Plattsburgh. Shirley worked with her Philip in their various business enterprises, including the Orange Julep drive-in restaurant, Bayside Motel, their family drug stores and their large complex of rental apartments.

In the early 1960s, the couple became involved in the antiques business under the trade name of Philip and Shirley Gordon Antiques. They were active for more than 40 years, specializing in fine jewelry, fine silver, glass, lamps, works of art and antiquities. She and Philip traveled extensively throughout the eastern half of the country participating in major antique and trade shows for more than 30 of those years and were well known in the trade.

Shirley had a great love for antiques and pursued their background until she was conversant with her knowledge of the items. In late 2001, the couple decided to sell their Florida condo and slide into semiretirement, allowing them year-round closeness to their daughters in Plattsburgh.

Shirley is survived by Philip, her husband of 61 years; two daughters, Lynn LaClair (Ray) and Julie Ross; son-in-law Michael Ross (Jerri); three grandchildren, Gordon Lafountain (Jennifer) of Lenexa, Kan., Dr Leigh Ross (Perry) of Albany, N.Y., and Evan of Nantucket, Mass.; one great-grandchild, Mason, of Lenexa; a sister, Mary Matteson of Abilene, Kan.; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held on April 5 in the Brown Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Beth Israel Cemetery in Plattsburgh.

The family has requested memorial contributions be made to Hospice of The North Country or Temple Beth Israel, c/o Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.

Condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com .