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Shirley L. Kirkwood
July 17, 1935 to April 10, 2021
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Shirley L. Kirkwood, 85, of New Castle passed away the morning of April 10, 2021 at UPMC Mercy. Born on July 17, 1935 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Sam and Antoinette Gentile Champ. On May 14, 1955, Shirley married her beloved husband, Donald Kirkwood, Sr. He preceded her in death on August 8, 2001.
Shirley was a devoted member of Holy Spirit Parish, St. Joseph the Worker Site, where in the early years she was very active with the St. Joseph Bazaar. She was a member of the Mary Martha Guild at the church. Shirley had a very special devotion to the Blue Army of Our Lady, Sacred Heart League, and St. Anthony and St. Jude.
Shirley was an election poll worker for the 5th Ward in New Castle for many years. She enjoyed playing cards with her card club. A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Shirley’s greatest joy was the time she spent with her family, especially attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events and activities through the years.
Shirley is survived by her children, Annette Demase (Walter), Donald Kirkwood Jr. (Josie), Jerry Kirkwood, Chester Kirkwood (Susan), Doug Kirkwood (Barbara), Mike “Bub” Kirkwood (Nadine) and daughter-in-law, Kathy Kirkwood, two sisters, Geri Tyma (Bob) and Trudy Catale, nineteen grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Mark Kirkwood, five sisters, Delores Hammond, Loretta Mowry, Anna Suzow, Josephine Guido, Carmie Napadano and two infant brothers, and her great granddaughter, Parker Jo.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Vitus Site. Father Joseph McCaffrey, Pastor will officiate. Entombment will be in Parkside Mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, 941 South Mill St.
Lord God, you are attentive to the voice of our pleading. Give Shirley eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on her forever. Let us find in your Son comfort in our sadness, certainty in our doubt, and courage to live through this hour. Make our faith strong through Christ our Lord. Amen.
