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Mary Jane Murphy

October 14, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Mary Jane Murphy, 100, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Independence Court of Monroeville.  She was born August 1, 1921 in Scottdale, Pa, a daughter of the late William and Margaret Haines Hawthorne. Prior to her retirement, Mary Jane was employed as a secretary by ANDCO Construction. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Irwin, Amaranth Grand Royal Matron of Pa. and the past Worthy  Matron of the Eastern Star, Irwin Chapter.

 
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Martha L. McGowan

October 11, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Martha L. McGowan, 83, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2021 at her home.  She was born, June 4, 1938 in White Oak, Pa., a daughter of the late James L. and Georgia R. (Miller) Hall.  Prior to her retirement, Martha was an executive secretary for Nuclear Science and later worked for Johnson the Florist.  She enjoyed reading, doing word puzzles, flea marketing and camping with her family and friends in Donegal.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Paul W. Jr. and Shawn McGowan; and brother, James Hall. She is survived by her loving husband, Paul W. McGowan; daughters, ShayLee Gonzales and her husband, Felix, Heather Mayer; grandchildren, Shando, Brianda, Rionno, Jessica, Joshua, Justin, Jake, Johnna, Jordan; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Wyatt and Aria.  Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the funeral home chapel.  Entombment will follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.  Instead of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to the American Cancer Society.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 

to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Paul W. Jr. and Shawn McGowan; and brother, James Hall.

 


Ellwood P. Brady

October 11, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Ellwood P. Brady, 92, of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021 at UPMC Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh.  Services were private.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriers Project in memory of Ellwood.

 


Mary J. Becker

October 09, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Mary J. Becker, 52, of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021 at UPMC Montefiore Hospital, Pittsburgh.  She was born, August 4, 1969 in Pittsburgh.  Mary was the office manager for Armology of Western PA and a Norwin graduate.  She enjoyed sewing, crafting and making stained glass.  She is survived by her husband, Kevin Becker; son, Kevin Jr.; brothers Scott and Robert Wallace.  There were be no visitation.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Jacquelyne A. Droppa Raab

October 06, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Jacquelyne A. Droppa Raab, 74, of Turtle Creek, passed away Monday, October 4, 2021 at her home. She was born October 7, 1946 in Rankin, daughter of the late Sebastian and Martha (Horgan) Picone. Prior to her retirement, Jacquelyne was a seamstress and enjoyed sewing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Raab. She is survived by her two sons, Rob Droppa and his wife, Kriss and Ryan Droppa. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will take place on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at Brandy's on Main, 200 Main Street, Irwin, PA. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Esther J. Whitehead

October 06, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Esther Whitehead, 91, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at Golden Heights Personal Care Home, Harrison City, PA. She was born March 11, 1930 in North Irwin, a daughter of the late Albert and Emma (Magnesson) Anderson. Prior to her retirement, Esther was an patient escort for Westmoreland Hospital and was a member of Norwin Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, crafting and loved celebrating holiday's. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin S. Whitehead; grandson, Matthew; and all of her siblings. She is survived by her son, Rodney Scott Whitehead and his wife, Toni; three daughters, Lynette Gulassa and her husband, William, Beverly Ference and her husband. Randal, and Shirlee Clair; grandchildren, Bryan (Amy), Michael (Whitney), Julie, Alyson, Billy (Roxanne), Kelly (Andrew), Jeffrey (Stephanie), Randy, Chad (Lauren) and Courtney (Zak); great-grandchildren, Kaleigh, Delanie, Lawson, Lincoln, Gavin, Sophie, Emma, Colton, Connor, and Wyatt, one great-great grand son, Theo. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Friday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Norwin Church of the Nazarene. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Bernice Pavlic

October 05, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Bernice Pavlic, age 88 of Greensburg with previous residences in Jeannette and North Huntingdon peacefully passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021. She was born, December 23, 1932 in McKeesport, the youngest daughter of the late Henry and Nancy (Lynch) Wunderley. Prior to her retirement, Bernice was a bookkeeper for the Wendel Machine and Ringsdorf Corporation. She was a graduate of McKeesport High School Class of 1949 and a longtime member of the United Presbyterian Church, N. Huntingdon. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, playing bingo, gardening, baking, card games, animals, and was a great mother and companion to her daughter Barbara. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Pavlic; daughter, Linda Thomas; brothers, George and Robert Wunderley; sisters, LaVerne Bartulevicz, Laura Martin and Margaret Forsythe. She is survived by her three daughters, Barbara Pavlic of Greensburg, Marsha Deaktor and husband Scott of Shady Side , Carol Faloona and husband William of North Huntingdon; grandchildren, Emily, Anthony, Vincenza Faloona: North Huntingdon, Charles “Chase”, William "Wills" Deaktor: Pittsburgh. Services were private. Interment will be private in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.comIn . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

 


Margaret "Peggy" E. Knieriem

October 05, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Margaret “Peggy” Knieriem, 77, of North Huntingdon, passed away early Monday, October 4th at Independence Court of Monroeville.  She was born, March 20, 1944, the daughter of the late Thomas and Olive Myers.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Patricia “Pat” and brother, Thomas.  Peggy is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Paul Dale Knieriem; two children, Wendy (William) Waugh of North Huntingdon and Paul (Meghan) Knieriem of Huntington, NY; and six grandchildren, Nicholas, Danielle, Jonathan, Zachary, Paul and Patrick.  Peggy graduated from McKeesport High School in 1961 then attended nursing school at Montefiore Hospital and became an RN.  She began her life’s work as an OR nurse in McKeesport Hospital then moved to private practice where she spent the majority of her career working for Dr. Spiegel and Dr. Fulciniti in White Oak.  Peggy then moved onto manage seven physician practices for AGH.  Before finishing her career at the Central Blood Bank and Bariatric Weight Loss Center.  After retiring, she enjoyed time with family and friends at their house at Deep Creek Lake in Maryland.  Peggy also enjoyed tole painting and shared her creations with many loved ones.  She was an active member of both Norwin Christian Church of North Huntingdon and St. John’s Lutheran Church of Swanton, MD, and former member of Christ United Methodist Church, N. Huntingdon.  She was also a member of the Eastern Star.  The family would like to thank the Hagedorn-Harrison family for their love and support.

 
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Michael Paul Ballas

September 22, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Michael Paul Ballas, age 84, of North Huntington, PA, passed away on September 21st, 2021 after a series of recent strokes and a courageous battle with cancer over the last 15 years. Michael was the beloved husband of Norma Lee Ballas for 58 years and loving father of Michael R. Ballas of Delaware and Mark Ballas of Alpharetta, Georgia. Michael was also survived by his brother Jack and wife Rita, sister Mary Elizabeth McCutcheon, brother, Paul and wife Jean.

Michael is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous loving friends.

 
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Alex S. Horvath

September 17, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Alex S. Horvath, 86, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, September 17, 2021.  He was born October 17, 1934 in McKeesport, a son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Zohaire) Horvath.  Prior to his retirement, Alex was a steel worker for US Steel with 42 years of service and was a veteran of the US Marine Corps having served during the Korean War Era.  He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church of N. Huntingdon, N-Scale Club, was a model train enthusiast and loved being outdoors.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Horvath; brothers, Joseph, William, Michael, Charles and Louis.  He is survived by his loving wife, Arlene (Perrick) Horvath; sons, Stephen Horvath, Shawn Horvath, Duane McKenna and his wife, Wanda; daughters, Connie Brever and her husband, Douglas, Teri Post and her husband, Steve; 8 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.  Friends will be received from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christ United Methodist Church, N. Huntingdon.    www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Nancy A. Wasielewski

September 09, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Nancy A. Wasielewski, age 79, of Penn Hills, formerly of North Huntingdon died September 9, 2021 at UPMC East Hospital. She was born January 16, 1942 in Greensburg, a daughter of the late Tony and Mary E. Knor Bencloski. Nancy was a member of Calvary  Church. Prior to her retirement, Nancy was employed by Target. She was a member of the Senior Center in Penn Hills and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband James in 2011, one brother Anthony Bencloski and one sister, Karen Butalla. She is survived by her son Michael Keller (Susan), one daughter Stacey Cearns (Todd), brother, Dan Bencloski, step son James Wasielewski (Mary) , three grandchildren, , Andrew, Natalie. Lauren. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, Sunday 2-4,6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at the Calvary  Church, Irwin. Please go directly to the church. Interment will be held in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.  The family requests for visitors to wear masks.  Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Calvary Church.www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Dorothy Jane Richie (Micklo)

September 09, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Dorothy Jane Richie (Micklo) age 76, of West Mifflin / North Huntingdon Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 5th, 2021. She went home to be with Jesus and to greet her mother Annette (Jancsik) and her father William Micklo of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Dorothy (Dotty) lived in Florida for the past 16 years with her loving and devoted husband Jim. Some of her closest friends are sisters Joyce and Gladys Hudak. Dorothy and Jim 's daughter, Stacie Crisp lives with her husband Eric and son Dalton. Dotty and Jim's son, Jim Richie lives with his wife Christine and two daughters, Helena and Emily. Dotty was close and loved spending time with her sisters Gail Henderson and Leslie Frazier. Dotty was the Supervisor of the Radiology Department at Jeannette Hospital. Dotty will miss all her family and friends but she is in Heaven now with Jesus and will be there to greet us when it is our time to go home. Friends and family will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Monday September 13th from 2-4 pm and from 6-8 pm. and on Tuesday from 8 am to 9:30 am with parting prayers at 9:30 am. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday 10 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, followed by burial services at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers or gifts to the family, please make a donation in Dorothy's memory to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. The family expresses their gratitude for all of your kind thoughts and prayers.

 


Mary Jane Byers

September 07, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Mary Jane Byers, 91, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, September 6, 2021 at Walden's View, North Huntingdon. She was born, January 12, 1930 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Lloyd and Emma (Volk) Thomas. Mary Jane was a member of the Ridge Runners Trailer Club and enjoyed camping and crafting. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl R. Byers Jr.; son, David N. Byers; and daughter, Donna Baker. She is survived by her children, Lori Higginbotham and her husband, Bill, Kevin Byers and his wife, Mary Ruth; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. There will be no visitation and entombment will be private in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Tanner B. Van Woundenberg

September 04, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Tanner B. Van Woundenberg, 19, of Trafford, passed away Saturday, September 4, 2021.  He was born May 24, 2002, son of James and Juliana (Henderson) DeBlasio.  Tanner was a graduate of Penn Trafford High School, Class of 2021 and employed by Famous Supply.  He enjoyed riding motorcycles and dirt bikes, playing video games, swimming, hanging out with his friends and loved his canine pups, Charlee and Tuna.  He is survived by his maternal grandparents, David and Wendy Henderson; paternal grandparents, Randy and Pamela DeBlasio; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will take place on Wednesday in the funeral home chapel at a time to be announced.  Interment to follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Irwin.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westmoreland Humane Society.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Hazel M. Hoffman

September 04, 2021 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Hazel M. Hoffman, 72, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, September 3, 2021.  She was born December 12, 1948 in Pittsburgh, daughter of the late Jesse and Hazel (Triplett) Hoffman.  Hazel was an Avon sales representative and a member of Calvary Assembly Church and past president of the Women's Aglow.  She was the author of several books and loved spending time with her family.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Hoffman Sr. and his wife, Karen.  She is survived by her nephews, Larry Jr (Jessica) Hoffman and Christopher  (Dana) Hoffman; niece, Haley Hoffman (Tommy), great nieces and nephews, Jeffrey, Jeremy, Amanda, Skylar, Serenity and Damian.  Friends will be received from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family through our website . www.shirleyfuneralhome.com