Shirley Pecora (3/10/1937 – 8/23/2025)

Shirley F. McKee Pecora, age 88, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA.

Shirley was born on March 10, 1937, in Rimersburg, PA to Florence and Melvin McKee. While Shirley spent most of her career as a homemaker and mother, she also spoke very fondly of her time as a draftsman at the General Telephone company, where she met her beloved husband.

Shirley will be remembered for her sense of humor, her love of her family, and her artistry. Shirley enjoyed creating art, specifically oil paintings, through which her legacy will live on. She always shared her creativity so generously with those she loved. She also had a prolific career as a local softball player in her younger years, which she was always happy to share stories about, even being featured in the local newspaper. She has always enjoyed being involved with the church, especially her time with the soul sisters, as well as spending time with her family.

Shirley was preceded in death by her spouse, Ralph G. Pecora, as well as her sisters, Kathryn (Faye) Weston, and Mary Bills.

Shirley is survived by her daughters Patricia Pettis (Wayne) of Amesbury, MA, Janet Baird (Scott) of Dublin, OH, and Kathleen States of Erie, PA. She is also survived by many grandchildren that loved her dearly: Curtis Severance (Sara), Ryan Severance (Sean), Megan Burger (Mike), Alexa Bunch (Jordan), Sophie Mauron (Lio), Greyson Baird, Michaela States, Emma States, and Noah States. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Church of the Cross, 5901 Millfair Road, Fairview, PA 16415. Burial will take place at Rimersburg Cemetery, in Rimersburg, PA following the service. Arrangements handled by the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home.