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Shirley A. Weitzel

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | January 14, 2021

Shirley A. Weitzel, 91, of Indian Lake, passed away January 8, 2021 after a short, fierce battle with Covid-19 at Laurel View Village. She was born December 19, 1929 in Ridley Park and was the daughter of the late Jack and Helen (Thompson) Alexander. She was the wife of 53 years to the late Robert D. Weitzel, Jr. Shirley was raised in Ridley Park, Delaware County and graduated from West Chester State College. She taught elementary school, primarily, History and Science, for 5th grade for 30 years. After she was chosen to work in the classroom with the Bicentennial Project of 1776, she became the author of Land O'Goshen, a historical novel, a Tale of Chester County and dedicated it to all of the boys and girls of Chester county, most especially to her children, Patty, Emily and Andrew. Shirley and her husband retired to Indian Lake in 1990 and loved their lake life, including much gardening, bird watching, traveling and community service, just as much as they loved their grandchildren and many beloved pets.

She is survived by her daughters, Patty (Evan) Varner of Shanksville, and Emily (Guy) Del-prince of Mentor, OH, and her son, Andrew Weitzel of Bend, OR. She is also survived by her sister, Bonnie Haberman of Seattle, John CT Alexander of Philadelphia, grandchildren Eva (Anthony) Mucci, Sara DelPrince and Roger DelPrince of Ashtabula, OH, Robert Varner of Indian Lake, James (Fiancé Lacy Lowry) Varner of San Antonio, TX, and by her "Bestie" Barbara Skrukrud of Rockwood, PA. In addition to her husband, she is also preceded in death by her sister, Betty Hope, and brother, Robert H. Alexander. There is no visitation. A Celebration of Life for Shirley is being planned for family and friends in the early summertime at their Lake Home. Many thanks to all of the courageous and kind staff at Laurel View Village who cared for Shirley. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Somerset Humane Society, PO Box 182, Somerset, PA 15501. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Originally published January 14, 2021.

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