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1938-2026
NEW WATERFORD -- Mrs. Shirley A. Shope, 88, of New Waterford, died on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital.
She was born on June 6, 1938, in New Brighton, Pa., daughter of the late Erminio and Hilda Palombo.
Shirley was a proud homemaker, she enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, sewing and being in the kitchen cooking and baking for family, and she collected recipes. Shirley was a very talented artist; she took evening painting classes to further her talent. Shirley was a devoted member of Saint Carlo Acutis Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Chuch. She was proud of her family and cherished the time she spent with them, taking great pride in continuing lasting family traditions.
Her spouse, Robert D. Shope, whom she married on Jan. 17, 1959, preceded her in death on March 8, 2022.
Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Roberta Shope of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Beth (Jamie) Oberdick of Port Matilda, Pa.; son, William R. Shope of Rossville, Ga.; three grandchildren, Bridgett (Isaac) Johnson, Kent Shope, Patrick (Tiffany) Shope; and five great-grandchildren, Gaberilla Noel Johnson, Ariaanah Faith Johnson, Isaiah Johnson, Hudson Shope and Judah Johnson.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jeanne Palombo, and a brother, William D. Palombo.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig Funeral Home, East Palestine.
Mass will be held on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Saint Carlo Acutis Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Chuch, East Palestine, with The Very Reverend Chad Johnson V.F. officiating.
Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, East Palestine.
Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com.
9/16/26