Shirley Francis Swesey, 88, of Ellwood City was called home on April 29, 2026. She spent her final days surrounded by family and friends before relinquishing her earthly body and going to be with her Lord and Savior and reuniting with her loved ones that have preceded her.
She is survived by her son Allison Michael “Mike” Swesey; who was her world; her daughter-in-law Catherine “Cass” (Pinkle) Swesey; her granddaughter Ashley Pinkle; her great-grandchildren, that devotedly cared for her for years up to her last moments: Alayah Pittrell and Cameron Swesey. She is also survived by her brothers Roy “Bud” John (Kathy) McKelvey and Mathew Robert (Diane) McKelvey. She is also survived by four additional grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley was born on September 11, 1937, in Monaca, PA to the late Roy and Ida (Tice) McKelvey. She was a 1957 graduate of Lincoln High School in Ellwood City. She married Patrick Warren Swesey on July 25, 1959. She worked many years at the Knitting Mill in Ellwood City. She was extremely active in the scouting program for over 50 years. She was an avid bowler; was on many leagues throughout her life and appeared on the show Bowling for Dollars. She has been a member of the Franklin Township Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary. One of her greatest joys in life was being a “booster mom” for the Riverside High School Marching Band. Shirley was devoted to her faith and was a member of the Faith Fellowship Baptist Church in Ellwood City. She enjoyed living life to its fullest; fishing, camping, shopping, sitting by the fire…anything she could do to spend time with those she loved-especially the children in her family.
Cass and Mike would like to give special recognition to the people that helped with Shirley’s care over the last ten years, even though some help may not have been long term or seemed like much, words cannot express what it takes to care for someone-especially when the body outlives the mind. Through the years, Nancy “Nanny” StClair, was our rock in the beginning and for the first couple of years. Judy Johnston, Rachel Swesey, Hailee Hooks, and Amy Pinkle: each of you helped through the years in different ways to some degree or another and it is not forgotten. Ashley Pinkle, you were always the “constant adult.” Cameron Swesey: words can’t express our gratitude; you did so much while juggling so much. Alayah Pittrell: Gramma’s little “Mini Me.” You did it ALL from the time you were 8.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Patrick Timothy Swesey in 2017. Her sisters Carolyn Mae (Evan) Lambert, Nancy Lou (Walter) Hudson, and Sarah “Sally” Victoria Law.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 4:00PM-6:00PM at Turner-Hyde Funeral Home, with a Funeral Service immediately following at 6:00PM with Pastor Dennis Arndt, Officiating.
Arrangements entrusted the TURNER-HYDE FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.
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