Shirley LaRue Fisher

Shirley LaRue Fisher, 95, of Charlottesville, VA passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Westminster Canterbury of The Blue Ridge.

Born in Sunbury, PA on September 4, 1930, she was the youngest child of the late Lehman and Bertha (Meiser) Dressler. Despite being raised on a dairy farm, Shirley was a city girl at heart. She married Sunbury native, Edward Fisher, in 1950, and together they embarked on his military career. Their adventures lasted 66 years until his death in 2016.

Shirley was a highly disciplined and dedicated professional. Her career began as a legal assistant while Ed attended Bucknell on the GI Bill. She paused her career to raise her children and assume the role of an officer’s wife. After 12 years and countless moves, she rejoined the workforce, helping to open a construction firm in Northern Virginia. Moving to Charlottesville in 1972, Shirley began a 52-year career working with Dr. Charles W. Hurt as his executive assistant. She was proud to be working and living independently until the age of 94.

Her hobbies and interests over the years included sewing, traveling, gardening, the theater, and collecting Humpty Dumptys. Shirley loved her family fiercely. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her granddaughters.

Shirley is survived by her son, Stephen Fisher (Katie); her daughter, Lisa Prestiy (Richard); and her five granddaughters, Rachael, Hannah, Grace, Sarah, and Crickett.

In addition to her parents and spouse, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Jerene Richie, Evelyn McLaren, Kenneth Dressler, and an infant sister, Creda.

Services and interment for both Shirley and Ed will take place in the near future at Pomfret Manor in Sunbury. Family will be notified of their final homecoming.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Westminster Canterbury Health Center 2 and Hospice of The Piedmont for providing comfort and care over the past 18 months. Those wishing to honor her memory are asked to make memorial contributions to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911 and / or to spend quality time with their loved ones.

An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com

Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA has the honor of serving the family.