Obituaries

Margaret Eloise (Peggy) Shirey, 97, passed away peacefully with all her children in loving presence on January 7, 2026, in Hospice House. Peggy was born in Ellwood City, PA to the late Charles Atwood Adams and Hazel (Currie) Adams, the youngest of four children. She knew hardship as a child of the depression and through the loss of her father at age six, resulting in her learning to be thrifty and valuing relationships over riches throughout life. She met her childhood sweetheart, Lewis (Lew) Shirey, at an eighth-grade skating party. They were a couple throughout high school and college, married…

Mrs. Mary Ann Szabo, 88, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, January 12th, 2026 at the Harmony Hills Healthcare & Rehab Center in Wexford. Mrs. Szabo was born in Ellwood City on July 27th, 1937 the daughter of the late Alex and Florence (Totera) Pecoraro. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1955 and earned an associate’s degree from the Community College of Beaver County. For 17 years Mary Ann worked for the Ambridge Department of Labor and Industry. She is a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church and Challenges. Mary Ann enjoyed…

Brandy Marie Carpenter, 32, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, January 12th, 2026 following an extended illness. Brandy was born on June 19th, 1993 in Beaver to William V. Bailey Jr. and Karen Lynn Jacobs. She attended Lincoln High School and was a former assistant manager at Domino’s Pizza in Ellport. She was a talented artist, and loved Jack Skellinton and the Nightmare Before Christmas. She is survived by her daughters, Charlotte R. Bailey, Isabella “Izzy” E. Clemmer, Selina K. Carpenter and Kori A. Carpenter, her parents, brother, Alex Bailey, sister, Amber (Brian) Casuccio and their children, boyfriend, John…

Howard “Bud” Boyle, 84, of Fombell passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at UPMC Passavant-McCandless in Allison Park. He was the son of the late Elmo and Angelina Marasti and was born August 1, 1941, in Pittsburgh. He is survived by his wife; Karen Boyle, his children; Natalie Boyle, Clint Boyle and his wife Debi, Rhonda Susi and Jeff Stewart, Jacquelyn Boyle, grandchildren; Thea Boyle, Giovanni Susi, Jayce Boyle, Rex Betters, and Vera Wagster, his siblings; Michael Boyle and his wife Sandy, Anthony Boule, Grace Marasti-Georg and her husband Mark. Bud was born and raised in Pittsburgh.He was a…

Michael R. Van Kirk, 79, of Enon Valley, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 6, 2026, following an extended illness. Michael was born on September 26, 1946, to the late Robert Wayne and Hilda Mae Connors Van Kirk. He retired from United Local Schools after 40 years as a high school math teacher. He was a graduate of the former Northwestern High School in Darlington, PA and then from Slippery Rock University. Michael spent his life on the farm bailing hay, cutting firewood, and loved his horses. He was known for breeding prize winning horses in…

In Loving Memory of Mary “Libby” Jacobs May 31, 1947 – January 6, 2026 Mary “Libby” Jacobs lived a life guided by imagination, compassion, brilliance, and quiet generosity. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Libby brought beauty into the world through her devotion to family, her extraordinary creative gifts, and her lifelong commitment to serving others—always with humility, grace, and a deep sense of purpose. Libby and her husband lived in Michigan, Maryland, and spent 35 of their years in Akron, Ohio, treasured summers on Cape Cod, and later made her home in Pittsburgh. Wherever she lived, she brought her beautiful heart,…

Joseph E. Yost, 87, of Wayne Twp. passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at Quality Life Services in New Castle. Born July 8, 1938, in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Earl J. and Viola Mae Houk Yost. Joseph graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956 and then from Slippery Rock University. He taught Driver’s Education and Geometry for both Union and Riverside High Schools before eventually retiring from Riverside. A skilled photographer, he captured weddings, sporting events, and forensic scenes, as well as photos of his friends and animals. He also enjoyed telling jokes and driving…