Shirley Ann DeFonce Acosta

AIKEN - Shirley DeFonce Acosta, a resident of Aiken, SC for the last 25 years and former resident of Harrison, N.Y. passed away suddenly on December 18, 2015 in Aiken, South Carolina. She was 71. Shirley was born March 7, 1944 to Anthony & Marion DeFonce. Shirley was the beloved wife of Frank Acosta, the cherished mother of John Riccio (Tricia), Gina Riccio Veldman, dear step mother of Tony Acosta (Donna) and Frankie Acosta (Diahann), and loving grandmother of Deanna, Marissa, Mychal, Emma, Dylan & Elizabeth. Shirley is predeceased by her sisters, Mel Rose and Marion (Sissy) Bisceglia. She is also survived by loving nephews and nieces who adored her. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend who will be truly missed but never forgotten. Shirley was fun loving, caring and adventurous with a wonderful sense of humor. Her laugh was infectious by anyone around her. Her talents were many including gardening, floral design, baking and crafts. She was a former member of the Aiken Garden Club, the Purple Hats, the Women’s Club, etc. She spent many years volunteering for the disabled veterans in SC, visiting them and baking them brownies. Another huge part of her life was the support of rescue dogs. Her beloved pets brought her so much joy and love. Her family and friends were the most important part of her life. She got such joy being around them, especially her grandchildren. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 3, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM at SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shirley Ann DeFonce Acosta, please visit our flower store.