Memorial to Shirley Schwartz on June 6^th, 2005 by Valerie Patrick:

I am honored to have this opportunity to say a few words about Shirley on behalf of the First Congregational Church of Etna. While I have only known Shirley through the Church and for the seven years that my husband Todd, son Jake, and I have lived in the Pittsburgh area, I as have so many others been touched by Shirley’s kindness, selflessness and love. I invite others here who have known her longer to please add their thoughts.

Shirley was first drawn to my family, by our, at the time, 3-year old son Jake. Jake is even more soft-spoken than Shirley. Jake warmed up to Shirley very quickly because of her kindness and because she started bringing him crafts and worksheets every Sunday from her days as a schoolteacher that were both fun and educational. Todd and I quickly befriended Shirley and her husband Howard. I watched Shirley and Howard together and hoped that Todd and I would have the same wonderful, caring relationship they exhibited when we grew older. I am sure that Shirley is very happy to be with her beloved Howard now.

Shirley’s selflessness was most evident in her tireless service to the church. Shirley served for more years than I have been with the church in every capacity available at our church. Shirley’s service included the Diaconate, Church Council, VCR Committee, and Ministerial Search Committee. As a Deacon, Shirley assisted with bulletins, offerings, and Communion for Sunday services. I served alongside Shirley on Church Council, which is the governing body for our Church. The VCR committee administers to shut-ins by providing cards and gifts to remember them on Holy Days and other special occasions and arranging for pastor visitations, transportation to Church events, and viewing Church service on videotape as needed or requested. Finally, Shirley’s love for the church led her to serve on the Ministerial Search Committee. During our search, we are blessed with Reverend Terry Stoop’s presence as interim minister.

My husband Todd, son Jake, and I had the good fortune to be able to bring Shirley to church with us for several Sundays over the past couple of months. She shivered in disbelief when it snowed in mid April. A few weeks later, she exclaimed “the daffodils are in bloom, aren’t they beautiful” as we drove the back roads to the church. Always she was very grateful and thankful for the opportunity to worship with us. Her eyes lit up when her sweet smile was greeted by the warm embrace of our church members who were always so happy to see her.

In summary, the word that comes to my mind when I think of Shirley is virtuous. Virtue is defined as “a good habit that enables us to act according to right reason, enlightened by faith.” Shirley personified virtue. Shirley lived life the way God and Jesus expect us to live life. The Church and my family will miss Shirley’s bright smile and spirit of hope.