Shirley May Kelly Gwin, 92, of North Beaver Township died peacefully at UPMC – Jamison Hospital on Saturday April 14, 2018 following a short illness.
Born December 2, 1925 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Anna Haggerty Watt. The last of the family, she was the 15th of 17 children all of whom are deceased.
Shirley attended New Castle High School and worked for Bell Telephone and Shenango Pottery for several years. In 1948, Shirley married Donald Kelly, with whom they had four children, Richard, Patricia, Rodger, and Bruce. At this time, she lived in Wampum and worked at the Wampum Post Office and later Zubebuhler, H.R. Inc. After Donald died in 1984, she married Charles Gwin in 1989, living with him in a home he built until her death.
She is survived by her four children; husband, Charles; 2 grandchildren, Shawn and Tracey; 3 great grandchildren, Olivia, Carson and Joey; and 3 great-great grandchildren, Kix, Leighton and Lainey and 3 step children, Kay, Neal and Joyce and their families.
Shirley was well loved by her family and friends. She enjoyed remarkably good health with few medications. Following double-knee surgery in 2001, she quickly returned to square dancing and traveling to visit family in Minnesota. She enjoyed her membership in the Wampum Methodist Church, reading, crossword puzzles, dancing, and shopping!
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Wampum Methodist Church on Sunday, April 29 at 2:00 pm with her pastor, Rev. Todd Davis officiating. Visitation with family and friends and a reception will occur at the church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wampum Methodist Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home of Wampum. Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com
Dear Chuck, Dick, Patty,Rodger and Bruce, our deepest sympathy to all of you and your families. Shirley was a very special person, when we moved into our house I was a new mom, Laurie was 3 months old I remember calling or going over to see her and asking her for her advice on taking care of the baby, I also remember what a wonderful seamstress was she was and when I started to do some sewing she was always ready to show me how to do something. She was a great neighbor and friend and although we didn’t see as much of each other after she moved I always considered her a friend and missed her very much. She was so very proud of all of you and loved you so very much. Sincerely Ginny & Tom Parker
Hello Mr. and Mrs. Parker,
This is Tracey, Shirley’s granddaughter. I remember playing with your girls when I was young, I always enjoyed them! Thank you so much for the kind words and remembrances of Grandma. It is lovely to hear that she was thought of so sweetly by others, however not surprising, as she was loved by many. I was blessed to have her as my Grandma. I hope all is well with you and yours.
All the best,
Tracey
Dear Dick, Patty, Rodger, and Bruce,
We are so sorry to hear that Aunt Shirley passed away and send our deepest sympathy to all of you. I don’t know how to contact all of you after all these years, so I’ll send a note here.
My brothers and I have many fond memories of visiting our PA cousins during summer vacations [Yeah, it’s hard to believe that was over 50 years ago]. Your mom was always cheerful and welcoming – inviting us to your house to play or spend the night. It was one of our favorite things to do in PA. She helped keep our families connected year after year. I remember her faithfulness in church ministry and leading all of us kids. She was a kind and loving aunt. You were blessed to call her “Mom”.
It’s sad to see the end of the generation of the 17 Watt children. My dad Ralph (13th child) and Aunt Shirley (14th) were always close growing up, and they kept that connection throughout adult years too. Dad died 10 years ago of Alzheimer’s and as the disease progressed, he didn’t recognize me…he called me my mom’s name. As he drew further into the past, he called me “Shirley”. Last summer when we visited your mom at the Watt reunion, she didn’t recognize me, but then surprisingly she started calling me “Ralph’s daughter”.
We send our sympathy to you too, Chuck. Although you don’t know us very well, we know that you and Aunt Shirley had a good life together for many years.
God bless you all and give you comfort and peace.
Elaine (Watt) & Larry Gavette
Hi Elaine~
I don’t know if we have ever met, I suspect probably years ago when I was just wee tyke! I am Tracey, Dick’s daughter. Thank you for the lovely remembrances of Grandma. You referred to her as a kind and loving Aunt, she was also a kind and loving Grandma. We were all blessed to have her! My memories of going to Grandma’s house are like yours as well, filled with fond memories and always a cheerful and inviting welcome. I will forever miss her hugs and smiles!
All the best to you and yours,
Tracey
Deepest condolences to all of Shirley’s loved ones. She touched the hearts of many people. All the time she gave to others and her truly caring ways will always be remembered. There are many memories created with her. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.