Shirley Ann Westfelt

Shirley Ann Westfelt, affectionately known to her family as "Meemaw," passed away peacefully at her home in Cheviot on March 25, 2026. Born on April 8, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Shirley lived a life marked by independence, intelligence, and an unwavering devotion to her family and faith.

An accomplished typesetter for ACI, Shirley’s professional talents were widely respected. Yet, among those who knew her best, it was her role as the "world’s best babysitter" that truly defined her legacy. She took immense pride and joy in caring for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. To Shirley, family was everything, and she cherished each moment spent nurturing them, whether at home or taking them to the library, sharing her love of books and learning. She will also be remembered as a fabulous cook; something she enjoyed and took great pride in doing for her friends and family.

A devout Catholic, Shirley’s strong faith illuminated her life. She was a committed participant in her church community, completing a remarkable ten-year weekly Bible study that testified to her dedication and thirst for spiritual growth. Her belief provided both comfort and strength throughout her life, guiding her with grace and compassion.

Shirley’s curiosity and intellect were largely self-taught, a testament to her thoughtful nature and desire for knowledge. She was an avid sports fan, passionately rooting for the Reds and Bengals and cheering on what she called “true athletes.” Gardening was another of her treasured pastimes, where she found peace and satisfaction in nurturing life from the soil. Shirley also enjoyed crocheting and embroidery. Beyond her family, Shirley generously shared her time volunteering as a reader at Bayley Place and enjoyed participating in local book clubs, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to community and learning.

Among her proudest accomplishments were her role as a loving grandmother and the fruit of her hard work, notably achieving the milestone of paying off her house—an emblem of her determination and resilience.

She is survived by her devoted children: Lisa Lindsey, Amy Winter, and Joseph Westfelt; her beloved grandchildren: Christopher Lindsey, Jennifer (Scott) Schultz, Maryann Heist, Mandy Westfelt, Christina Mays, Cassandra Mays, Anna (Nick) Auer, Elizabeth Winter, and Josef Westfelt; her cherished great-grandchildren: Amanda Lindsey, Andrew Schultz, Hannah Heist, Holly Shamblin, Emily Schultz, Katie Shamblin, Johnny Shamblin, Keaira Shaw, Christopher Lindsey Jr., Kaylee Shaw, Angel Mays, Ava Williams, Mary Rose Mays, Wayne Williams, Elijah Hawkins, Faith Mays, and Jasmine Sargent; and her precious great-great-grandchildren: Calvin Miller, Henry Miller, Evelyn Miller, Levi Pope, Grayson Connely, Paisley Pope, Hudson Shamblin, and Walker Maxwell. She is also an adored aunt to many special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her late daughter, Constance Mays (Westfelt) and her loving parents, Joseph Francis and Mary Thelma (Eckstein) Simms.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Shirley’s life with a visitation on March 31, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dalbert, Woodruff & Isenogle Funeral Home, located at 2880 Boudinot Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. A Mass will be held on April 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Saint Lawrence Catholic Church, 3680 Warsaw Avenue, Cincinnati. Interment will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery on W. 8th Street.

Shirley Ann Westfelt leaves behind a rich legacy of love, faith, and unyielding strength. Her memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who were blessed to know her. In the joyous laughter of her children, grandchildren, and beyond, Meemaw’s spirit will live on, cherished and deeply missed.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati. Click HERE to donate securely online.