Shirley (Williams) Lorenzi

Professional caregiver, devoted wife and mother, loving grandmother and great grandmother, fan of a good joke, and connoisseur of peach wine, Shirley Mae Lorenzi (née Williams) died on May 3, 2022, at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph rehabilitation center, in Baden, PA.

Shirley was born in the neighborhood of Hazelwood in Pittsburgh on November 20, 1932, before moving to Oakland, and then to Esplen, where she graduated from Langley High School. While in high school, she met Leo Lorenzi, and after he returned from his overseas service, they married in 1949 and started a family.

Amidst a busy schedule as the best mother you could ask for, Shirley pursued multiple careers. These ranged from office work and a brief real estate stint, to the care giving roles that reflected her huge heart and sense of empathy. She cared for individuals with developmental disabilities at the Allegheny Valley School and later worked as a certified nursing assistant in the Sewickley area. After she retired from nursing, she worked as a babysitter for multiple families.

Shirley had a full and fulfilling life. She was always busy, ferociously independent, and endlessly kind. Being a uniquely generous person, she had an ability to love people unconditionally, and people loved her back. One of her favorite things was spending time with her family, her friends and her church group. Luanne Kozlowski, the leader of her Crossroads Church Bible study group remembers her as having “profound wisdom” and loving “everything lemon.” Shirley never took herself too seriously and loved joking and laughing. Until her last conscious moment, even when she was having trouble speaking, her sense of humor was still able to shine through. Shirley cared deeply for nature. An avid bird lover and amateur horticulturist, she kept a beautiful garden blooming and filled with bird feeders. Her friends and family were always welcome in her home and she accepted and loved them for who they were, without pretense.

Shirley is preceded by her husband Leo Lorenzi. She is survived by her five loving sons: Tom (Carol), Rick (Marion), Steve (Judi Chester), Harry, Kevin (Olga and Jake Blackledge), daughter-in-law Amy Lorenzi, six grandchildren: Lynn Mainolfi (Joe), Marianne Kubis (Steve), Sharon Dzadony (Ryan), Nicole Marks (Vinnie), Amanda Lorenzi (Michael Ritchie), and Ryan and 11 great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Wednesday, May 4th from 6 to 8pm and on Thursday, May 5th, from 2 to 8pm at Anthony M Musmanno Funeral Home & Chapel, 941 McCoy Rd, McKees Rocks, PA 15136. The service will take place at Anthony M Musmanno Funeral Home & Chapel on Friday, May 6th, at 10am, with burial following at Holy Souls Cemetery, 4772 Campbells Run Rd, Coraopolis, PA 15108.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Salvation Army, an organization that she held in high regard.

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