Shirley Mainello

Born May 24, 1938, Died April 20, 2014

Shirley Kitner -Mainello lead a long and healthy life. She is remembered by her close friends as having many interests and talents. She traveled extensively, read widely, and loved her friends deeply.

Shirley taught in the Carlisle and Pottstown School Districts as a teacher and reading coordinator in the 1960-1990s. After retirement she continued to assist many students through her tutoring and mentoring. Shirley remained an active community member throughout her life. She played a leadership role in many organizations including AAUW, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sweet Adeline's singing group, and the Genealogical Society. Shirley volunteered regularly at Reading Goggle Works and participated in a writers group. She loved to travel the world and filled her home with souvenirs from Egypt, Africa, China, India, Europe, and Antarctica. She enjoyed walking every morning with her neighbors and her two dogs. Shirley published six books that reflected on her love of dogs, her ancestors' journey to America, and her life as a teacher in the 1960s.

Shirley is survived by her son, Stephen Mainello, his wife Julie Gemignani-Mainello and their three children, Amanda, Gino, and Nina; her daughter, Annie Mainello-Almekinder , husband Seth Almekinder, and their two children, Liam and Eliza; and her youngest daughter, Julie Kugler, husband Mark Kugler, and only daughter, Rebecca.

Friends and family will join at the family home for a celebration of Shirley's life, May 17th from 1:00 – 3:00. Friends in the Carlisle area can celebrate with the family on Sunday, May 18th at 12:00 Westminster Cemetery followed by lunch at Mamma Spriggs in Carlisle.

Donations can be made to any of the following groups immemorial: Pottstown Library, Animal Rescue League, Cumberland County Historical Society, and Genealogical Society of Berks County.

Dengler Funeral Home, Inc., Birdsboro, PA is in charge of the arrangements.