Shirley J. Nelson

Shirley Jean (Winnett) Nelson, 84, of North Huntingdon passed away on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at Forbes Regional Hospital surrounded by family. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Loretta Winnett; her brother- and sister-in-law, Wenzel, and Marilyn Bohman; and her daughter-in-law, Michelle Nelson. She is survived by her husband, George, with whom she just celebrated 61 years of marriage, having known each other since the second grade; her three children, Erik (Terri) Nelson, Karen (Michael) Betcher, and Brian (Georgette) Nelson; her nine grandchildren, Amy, Kristen, Theodore, Peyton, Andrew, Zackary, Tyson, Tyrann and Tyra; her great-granddaughter, Gabriella; very special nieces and nephews and several four-legged family members who loved her. Shortly after graduating from McKeesport High School in 1958, Shirley worked for Crum & Forster Insurance. She was also a teacher's assistant in Brownsburg, Indiana, where she, George, and their boxer, Admiral, lived for 10 years before returning to Pennsylvania for retirement. She was a long-time member of Faith Lutheran Church in White Oak, where she was part of the choir, and often volunteered her time to charitable food ministries, including with McKeesport Meals on Wheels and Messiah Lutheran Church Food Pantry in Indiana. Shirley was an avid reader who was rarely seen without a book by her side and also played the piano and organ. She valued spending time with her family and made sure every special occasion included her famous chocolate trifle. Friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at the GILBERT FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, INC., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, Director. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church, White Oak. Interment will follow at Jefferson Memorial Park. Donations can be made in Shirley's memory to Faith Lutheran Church in White Oak. Condolences can be made at gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com