Shirley Arlene Hudspith

Shirley Arleen Tylka Hudspith, of Exeter Township, formerly of Fallowfield Township

 Shirley Arlene Hudspith, 88, passed away on Tuesday May 23, 2023 after a brief struggle with kidney cancer.  Shirley was born in Van Meter on March 12, 1935, the daughter of the late George and Audra Golden Tylka. 

She spent most of her life in Pennsylvania, living a short time in California and Delaware.  Shirley was a graduate of California University of PA, with Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education.  She taught in schools operated by the Diocese of Pittsburgh, including the former St. Jerome and Madonna Catholic Schools prior to her retirement.   Shirley was extremely proud of the impact she had on the lives of her young students. 

She was a member of the Community UCC Church of Mt. Penn, PA and was a founding member of the Charleroi Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years. Shirley enjoyed camping, boating, and watching her beloved Steelers. She could often be found listening to the tunes of her favorite performer, Barry Manilow and she attended many of his concerts. 

Shirley is survived by two daughters, Debra (John) Blozik of Thorsby, Alabama and Cheryl (Steve) Stache of Exeter Township, PA.  Shirley was extremely proud of her grandchildren, Dr. Thomas Stasicha of Katy, TX,  Jeffrey Stasicha of Charleroi, Dr. Stephen (Dr. Daniella Miele) Stache of Wynnewood, PA, and Dr. Cassandra (Dr. Robert) Stache Rajczy of Conshohocken, PA.  She also leaves behind to cherish her memory great-grandchildren Keagan, Abigail, and Madeline Stasicha,  MacKenzie Flanigan, Stephen, Anna and Julia Stache, and Zsofia Rajczy.  Also surviving are a sister, Edythe (John) DeGrazia of Dearborn Heights MI, and her former daughter-in-law Andrea Macko of Monessen. 

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by a son, Albert Hudspith, and her loving companion, William Petlock.  The family wishes to thank Genesis Berkshire Commons Assisted Living and Grane Hospice for their loving care in Shirley’s final days.  

Visitation will be held on Friday May 26 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Melenyzer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. 825 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi, where a service in celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Saturday May 27 at 10:00am.  Interment will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery, Rostraver Township. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Madonna Regional Catholic School or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.