Shirley Elizabeth Travaglini

On February 22, 2024, Shirley Elizabeth Travaglini passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born at home on Halloween, on the family farm in Harmonsburg, PA. She remembered difficult days and many hardships, but some of her fondest memories were formed during her childhood on a working farm. 

She was the youngest of Joseph and Estella Tovey's twelve children. She graduated from high school in Kissimmee, Florida where she proudly held the honor of valedictorian of her graduating class.

Her greatest joy was being a mother. She attended every dance class, recital, and competition for fifteen years, even writing down each dance step for her girls when they were little. She cheered loudly at numerous softball games and was always a homeroom mother and school volunteer. She loved the holidays, especially her birthday, Halloween. She often joked that she was a "good witch." She enjoyed cooking and theme decorating for every occasion and was known most recently for her elaborate door decorations at South Franklin Circle. 

Shirley had a great passion for travel. She enjoyed traveling the world in high heeled shoes with her family and friends throughout her lifetime. Her grandchildren will forever remember the many cruises she took them on and the donuts they enjoyed on her balcony each morning. Her travel was also highlighted by a blessing she received at the Vatican from Pope John Paul II. She had a strong faith and was proud to have read the Bible cover to cover three times. She loved all of the cats that she had throughout her life, solving crossword puzzles, and was an avid sports fan. She prided herself on always having her lipstick on, nails polished, and being dressed to the nines.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Kimberly (Matthew) Kern and Kristine Pesho; her grandchildren, Tyler and Shane Kern and Ryan, Mason and Mia Elizabeth Pesho; her sister, Frances Watson; her dear friend and neighbor, Ora Stock; and her cat, Sugar. 

She was proceeded in death by her parents; her children, Connie and Rick; and many friends and family members.

She will be sadly missed and forever remembered by all who knew her and shared a bit of her life during her journey.

Contributions may be made in Shirley's memory to Rainbow Connection Animal Foundation, via Venmo or Paypal @RCAFCATS or by check, mailed to P.O. Box #94143, Cleveland, OH, 44101 or to Rescue Village, Chesterland, OH at www.rescuevillage.org.

The family will receive friends at The DeJohn Funeral Home, 12811 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, OH on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 1:00-3:00 PM and 5:00-7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:15 AM at Saint Anselm Catholic Church, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, OH. A private interment will be held at a later date at Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Meadville, PA.