Shirley Ann Nitsche, loving mother, grandmother and sister

OLEAN — Shirley A. Nitsche, of Rowland Avenue, passed away Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at Buffalo General Hospital, following an illness.

Shirley was born Aug. 18, 1949, in Olean, and was the daughter of Robert William and Sabina Ann Kwiatkowski Nitsche.

Shirley was a 1967 graduate of Walsh High School.

She worked at Lucia’s Restaurant Supper Club for 22 years right out of high school. She owned and operated Bread Sticks on East State Street for 22 years. Shirley moved to Florida, where she ran a restaurant called “Smugglers” for 15 years until moving back to Olean in 2012.

Shirley enjoyed shooting pool and playing darts. She loved her pets, especially her dogs, Zeus and Athena.

Shirley is survived by her two children, Robert “Bob’ (Emily) Anastasia of Portville and Tammy (John Hyland) Wallace of New Jersey; eight grandchildren, Devin, Alexa, Darien, Austin, Tyler, Miranda, Carson and Leo; two great-grandchildren, Griffin and Lily; her siblings, Roberta L. McAfee of Allegany and Bill W. (Lisa) Nitsche of Portville; and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents; and her sister, Karen Nitsche.

A private graveside service will be held at St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 2944 Route 16, Olean, NY 14760.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.