Shirley Ovitsky

Shirley Carol Ovitsky, of Greensburg, died Monday, Sept. 23, 2013, one month after celebrating her 85th birthday. Having been healthy and active for many years, she passed after a short illness. Shirley was born on her family's farm in Armbrust Aug. 22, 1928, to the late Lynnie Mae (Rumbaugh) Frye and Charles C. Frye. After attending Greensburg High, she graduated from Seton Hill College with a degree in music in 1950. As a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, and numerous musical groups and productions, Shirley loved to play music and most of all to sing. She later obtained her masters in education from the University of Pittsburgh. With her love of music, she taught with a passion of an artist in the Penn Trafford and Hempfield School Districts, retiring in 1986. Over the years, she obtained many friends in education and the community, including her loving husband, the late William E. Ovitsky, whom she married in November 1963. Besides being a dedicated, compassionate and often obstinate wife, mother, friend and teacher, Shirley was a gifted musician, gardener and cook. With a sense of community and organization, she served as a board member or volunteer with many groups including the Palace Theater, Westmoreland County Historical Society and Christ's Church Greensburg among many others. She was preceded in death by her husband, whom she supported through his illness with cancer. Shirley is survived by her son, Eric D. Ovitsky and his loving wife, Melody (Dorney) Ovitsky, of Pittsburgh. However, with them resides her true love of the past years, her grandsons, Lucas William (five), and Evan James (four), for whom any love or idea imaginable was possible. Friends and family can share their memories and respects from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME. A service of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, at Christ's Church Greensburg, with a private interment later. Please make any remembrances for Shirley to Christ's Church Greensburg. Terence L. Graft, funeral director, is entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences and information, please visit www.kepplegraft.com.

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