Shirley A. Passenger

Boardman - Shirley A. Passinger, 93, died late Tuesday evening, March 28, 2017 at Hospice of the Valley's Hospice House, with her family by her side.

Shirley was born March 15, 1924 in Seneca, PA, a daughter of the late Howard and Ruth Platt Allen.

Raised in Warren, PA, she met and married her husband, Floyd J. Passinger, on May 25, 1946. Shortly afterwards, they lived in Erie, and then moved to Boardman, where Floyd began working as a sports writer for the Vindicator. After marriage, Shirley very naturally took on the roles of a dedicated wife, loving mother, and wonderful homemaker, creating a "home" wherever they lived.

Mrs. Passinger had a lifelong passion and love of music and enjoyed sharing it with others. For many years, Shirley taught piano lessons in her home and volunteered playing piano at local nursing homes, and more recently she was known for playing "gigs" at Windsor Estates for her fellow residents. She was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon and singing in the choir. She was also a former active member at Boardman United Methodist Church. She also volunteered many hours with the American Cancer Society over the years, and was an active member in several women's and philanthropic clubs, making numerous friends along the way.

Some of her favorite interests were baking, gardening, horseback riding, sewing, playing scrabble and cards, golfing, and going on picnics. She had a special connection to yellow butterflies, cardinals, and angels, and she loved the seasons, the spirit of the holidays, and long drives to take in the beautiful scenery she always found along the way. Shirley will always be remembered for her gift of making others feel special, especially with her heartfelt notes and cards she was known for giving.

Her husband, Floyd J. Passinger, preceded her in death on January 7, 2005. She is survived by two daughters, Susan (Passinger) Potts of Boardman and Sheryl (Passinger) Eckert of Austintown; a brother, Arnold "Bud" (Mary) Allen of Wisconsin; three granddaughters, Jennifer (Joe) Vukovich Angelo of Columbus, Carrie Eckert of Austintown, and Caitlin Potts of Boston; five great-grandchildren, Zachary and Madison Eckert, and Granthom, Gryffen, and Everhett Angelo. Her faith and family were her life's foundation, and she treasured watching her granddaughters grow up, to not only call her "Grammy" but their best friend.

In addition to her husband and parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Vukovich, with whom she had a very special bond; son-in-law, John Vukovich; and two sisters, Donna Dietsch and her husband, Bob and Winifred McNally and her husband, Al.

A memorial service to celebrate Shirley's life will be announced at a later date. "If we could sit across the porch from God, we'd thank Him for lending us you." Heart-Heart

The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions in Mrs. Passinger's name to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Rd., Poland, Ohio 44514 or to Windsor Estates Activity Department, 5240 Windsor Way, New Middletown, Ohio 44442.

Arrangements are being handled by the Davis-Becker Funeral Home in Boardman. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.