Shirley Ann Nuzum Gates
It is with great sadness that the family of Shirley Ann Nuzum Gates announce her passing.
Shirley, 85, of Cranberry Township passed away peacefully March 20 surrounded by her loving family.
Shirley was born in Fairmont, W.VA., and was the daughter of the late Brooks Edward Nuzum and Anna Josephine Merrifield Nuzum.
Shirley was an exceptional seamstress, making her children's clothing by hand for many years, as well as many alterations for all of the family. She enjoyed crocheting, needle point, various crafts and flower arranging. She made many of her friend's weddings extra special with her beautiful flower arrangements. She also personally made all of the floral arrangements for both of her daughters' weddings, as well as the arrangements for her married grandchildren.
However, her greatest joy by far was spending time with her family. She will be sorely missed at every family event, as she would diligently spend extra time preparing and baking her signature dishes for every gathering. Seeing her spend time with her great-grandchildren would truly light up a room and provide plenty of smiles and contagious laughter.
Shirley was her family's source of strength and endless love. She was an inspiration to many, while having a great sense of humor and quick wit. While battling many health concerns, she displayed a strength and spirit that was truly unimaginable!
She will be greatly missed by her children, Steven B. Keener of Ellwood City, Melissa Ann (Gerard/Gerry) Pindroh of Cranberry Township and Melinda Jo (Bruce) Matthews of Harmony. She also leaves behind to cherish her memory her eight grandchildren, Kelly Keener, Steven (Renee) Keener, Cory (Lindsey) Gates Pindroh, Andrew Scott Pindroh, Devin Brooks Pindroh, Daria Anna Pindroh, Brandon Edward Matthews and Jessica Leigh (Victor) Kennedy.
Her memory will be forever etched into the hearts of her great-grandchildren, Tavia, Justice and Zadok Keener, as well as Anthony Billotti and Kaia Dawn Kennedy.
She will also be lovingly remembered by several devoted, compassionate and loving sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Jay Gates, who passed away in April of 2006; her son, Michael B. Keener; and her brother, Brooks E. Nuzum Jr.
GATES — A celebration of the life of Shirley Ann Nuzum Gates, who died Tuesday, March 20, 2018, will be held in her honor from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018, at Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia St., Fairmont, W.Va., with the Rev. Jim Zinn officiating.Funeral arrangements in Pennsylvania were entrusted to Boylan-Glenn-Kildoo Funeral Home, 130 Wisconsin Ave., Cranberry Township.Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.
