Shirley Ann Letterio's Obituary
Shirley Ann McKinley Letterio passed peacefully into the gentle hands of the Lord on July 16, 2021. Shirley was born on August 23,1930 to William Perry McKinley and Evelyn Irene Washburn in Erie, PA. She was a graduate of Academy High School, Class of 1948. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent James, (Jim), her son, Jimmie, and her parents and brothers. Shirley was a devoted wife and mother to her six children and beloved “ Aunt Shirley” to many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her daughters, Carol Dowling, Marilyn Lusher(Jack), Lynn Patrick (Steve), Gina Gillotte(Tim), Mary Beth Rosser (Tim), Christa Paulosky (Bill)her grandchildren: Amanda, Carrie, Andrew, Michael, J.T, James, Joshua, Corey, Richmond and Vincent and seven great grandchildren. Shirley was Roman Catholic and was devoted to the love of God, the Blessed Mother and had a special place in her heart for Pope John Paul II whom she referred to as “my Pope.” She prayed the rosary daily for her family and those in need.
Shirley loved to sing and dance and passed this love on to her children and grands. They can readily break out in song to the many tunes that she taught them. You could always tell when she was in a good mood because she would whistle! She instilled in her children the value of honesty, integrity, hard work, education, love of country and their Italian and Scot-Irish heritage. She was an avid reader, loved Big Band Music, Lawrence Welk and a good gin and tonic! Along with her husband Jim, she was co-owner of Gina’s Delicatessen in Erie, PA prior to moving to Deltona, Florida in 1971. They later co-owned Gina’s Delicatessen and Restaurant in DeBary, Florida. Following the closing of the restaurant and raising six children, Shirley returned to school at the age of 52. She obtained her LPN certification from Seminole Community College and worked for many years at West Volusia Hospital. Following her retirement, Shirley enjoyed time with her family, reading, sewing, knitting, crocheting and working the ever present crossword puzzles. She cared selflessly for her parents and husband in their declining years.A heartfelt and eternally grateful thanks go to all the family members who assisted Shirley over the years. Driving her to appointments and family gatherings, shopping, providing companionship and later, compassionate and dedicated care. We are also grateful to her loving caregivers Kathy Skinner of Hobe Sound, Fl and Patti Blair of Palm City, FL., Health First Hospice and Melodie’s Place of Cocoa, Fl. Melodie and her amazing staff provided comfort and loving care to Shirley and to her family, as well. The legacy she leaves with her family is rich in song, dance, laughter, stories and most of all, love of family. A Funeral Service will be held 12pm, Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Baldauff Family Funeral Home, 1233 Saxon Boulevard, Orange City, Fl 32763 with a Graveside service to follow at Deltona Memorial Gardens, 1295 Saxon Boulevard, Orange City, Fl 32763. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Health First www.hf.org or to the Parkinson’s foundation at www.parkinson.org
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