Shirley Ann (Aylsworth) Mitchell

Shirley Ann (Aylsworth) Mitchell, died peacefully on April 21, 2022 with her family by her side.  A Celebration of Life is being planned for the near future.

Shirley was born on June 29, 1942 in Erie to Robert “Bud” and Olive “Red” Aylsworth.  Robert was employed as Operations Manager at Lyons Transportation Lines and Olive was employed at Marx Toy Company.

Shirley grew up in Erie and had many fond memories of her many friends and hanging out at the Chestnut Street Pool in the summer.  She graduated from Strong Vincent High School.  Shirley was a homemaker and had other jobs including Super Duper Supermarket where she had many close friends.  The Super Duper gang was close, and Shirley hosted many all-night poker games at her house and had many memorable road trips with those dear friends.  Later in life, she helped develop and run a family business in Meadville called The Pittsburgh Bagel and Coffee Company.  There are many great stories of Shirley and her friend Annie joking and interacting with their loyal customers.  Shirley also had a close-knit group of friends that got together monthly for “club” in which they would meet at a restaurant or a friend’s house for an evening of food and fun!  Also, fond memories of long, funny, late night phone conversations with her dear friend Laurie Bizzaro.  Later in life, Shirley moved into Angelique Woods and was known as the “leader of the pack”, often initiating food excursions or hanging out with friends in the coffee room.

Shirley’s most important legacy, however, was her family.  Shirley always put the needs of her family and friends before her own.  She was the most selfless person that you could ever meet.  She will always be remembered for her sense of humor and her dedication to her family and friends.  It will never seem the same without her on our frequent family trips to Florida or the Delaware Shore. 

Shirley is survived by her children, Julie Galvin and her husband Craig, and their children, Danny and Jimmy; her daughter, Lisa Mitchell; and her son, Thomas Mitchell, MD, his wife Debbie, and their sons, Jack and Dylan.  Shirley is also survived by her brother-in-law, Peter Fedorko, his children, Paul “P.J.” and his son, Hunter; Melissa and her husband, Sean, and their children, Breckin and Remie.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Olive Aylsworth; her brother, Harry Aylsworth, and her sister, Mary Lou (Aylsworth) Fedorko.

Please remember Shirley for the kind and amazing person that she was.  Remember her and smile every time that you hear an old Elvis Presley tune.  We are sure that Shirley will be smiling right along with you!

Shirley’s story can not be complete without heartfelt appreciation for the many physicians, nurses, and other medical staff that helped take care of her during her final days at UPMC Hamot Hospital.  Those who knew her understood that she was somewhat opinionated and staying hospitalized did not make her happy!  A special thank you to the dedicated nursing and medical staff at Hamot’s MICU.  Also thank you to Doctors Logan Pyle, Gregory Beard, Daniel Kinem, and many others.  A special thank you to Dr. Kinem whose personal anecdotal perspective helped us to make important, difficult decisions regarding our mother’s medical care. 

Finally, our mother was the greatest mother one could have, and she will never be forgotten!