Harlene Grace Fisher Shelton

“She is happier far than others”

OLEAN — Harlene Grace Fisher Shelton, 89, of Garden Avenue, Olean, NY died December 16, 2025 after a long illness.

Harlene was born October 13, 1936 in Lockport, NY along with her twin brother Harvey.  She had great admiration for her maternal grandmother who raised them until they were relocated to Olean, NY to live with their aunt and uncle, Viola and Frank Phillips.

Harlene graduated from Olean High School in 1955 and began her working career at several locations in Olean, including Acme Electric, Olean Tile, and finally at Line Material (McGraw Edison/Cooper Power Systems/Eaton) retiring in 1997 after 30 years with perfect attendance. During her employment at Cooper, she was the secretary of their Credit Union and was a regular committee member for their events and parties.

After retirement, she volunteered and was very committed to Meals on Wheels for almost 20 years.  She was the Secretary/Treasurer of the Olean Senior League Board.

Harlene was best known for her wry sense of humor and her love of cooking, shopping, roller skating, solo road trips, and baking (especially her marathon Christmas cookie routine) all of which she passed on to her daughters and granddaughter.

She loved being with her many friends over the years and enjoyed many activities with them including shopping, investigating, concerts, plays, musicals, and driving them to and from their adventures.  She and her friends took some intriguing trips together, some by bus, some by plane, and some by automobile.  They sure had fun!

Most importantly, Harlene was a selfless, caring person who helped people throughout their challenging times by opening her heart, home, life, and kitchen. She was the best mother and grandmother one could have, ensuring everyone around her experienced and had all the things she did not as a child. She will be missed.

Surviving are her twin daughters, April (Joseph Luca) Shelton of Olean, and Tracy (Joseph) Crisafulli of Allegany; granddaughter, Kelly Jo (Bradley) Nitsche; grandson, Kyle (Kelsey Gould) Crisafulli; great grandchild, Kassy Nitsche; sisters in law, Sheryl Fisher of Chattanooga TN and Gail Berry of Rome, NY; brother-in-law, Walter (Nafisa) Shelton of Myrtle Beach SC, and several nieces and nephews.  Very special to Harlene were Lee Ann (Dan) Dineen, Stacy (Lee) Giardini, Sarah (Michael) Califano, Ann (Anthony) Burgess, Karen (Jim) Zandi, and all their families.

Harlene was predeceased by her twin brother Harvey, her daughter’s father, Roy Shelton; her aunt and uncle, her maternal grandparents, her brother-in-law, William C. Berry, USAF Ret., and long-time companion, Gene Zandi.

At Harlene’s request there will be no visitation.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family as Harlene wishes were to be with her twin brother.

Arrangements are with Casey, Halwig, and Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Intandem Foundation, 1425 Buffalo St., Olean, NY 14760.