Shirley A. Kozel

Shirley Ann Kozel, 76, of Fox Chapel, passed on peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, having lived a full and wonderful life. She was the youngest of Anna and Doran Corrigan's seven children, and it is little wonder that family and friends proved such a central and enduring part of her life. Lesser women might have shrunk into the background competing with so many siblings but not Shirley Ann. Her childhood was a hive of activity as she immersed herself in drama and choral activity, and she was even a pretty mean majorette before being crowned Deer Lakes High School homecoming queen. Little wonder that in 1960, TWA proved the next stage for her charisma, compassion and love of people. Shortly afterward, she met and married Frank Kozel, a union that produced three sons, Robert, David and Todd, who, in turn, produced a further nine grandchildren that Shirley Ann simply adored. She was just one of those rare people blessed with a genuine love of life and a real interest in other people while also enjoying a personally fulfilling relationship with God. Despite being the glue to a large extended family of her own, it was not uncommon to find her deep in conversations with people, young and old, she had only just met. A keen believer in charitable causes, Shirley was unwavering in her unconditional love for all of her family, and when you were in her company, you could not help but feel special. Her relationships with her sons, her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles gave her strength and nourished her soul. Shirley Ann was truly a mom to many and a friend to all, and she will be sorely missed by us all.
Shirley's friends are invited to a celebration of her life at 1 p.m. Dec. 28 at The Pittsburgh Field Club, followed by a wake. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to CHARLES B. JARVIE FUNERAL HOME INC., 801 Pittsburgh St.
In lieu of flowers, Shirley requested that memorial contributions be made in her name to The Hillman Cancer Center, 5115 Centre Ave., 15213. www.jarviefuneralhome.com.