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Shirley A. Schmunk, age 94, of Baldwin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Loving wife of 71 years to the late James B. Schmunk; mother of Linda (Bill) Clute, Debbie Soles and Jim (Diane) Schmunk; grandmother of nine and GG of 20; sister of Frank “Butch” Smith. Shirley will be remembered for many things, all of which include laughter. She could sing “Head Shoulders Knees and Toes” barely touching original body parts, but that didn’t slow her down. Shirley loved music. She played the organ from the age of 16 to 91 at Hilltop Church where she was a lifelong member. Shirley loved Jumonville where she played piano after every meal during family week, including just last week. And she taught piano lessons for over 60 years, leaving quite the legacy of pianists and organists. Shirley loved to tell stories, especially funny ones which she would gladly repeat. She had the ability to find humor in almost any situation. She loved to laugh, even at herself. She also loved to bake. There was always a cake or a cookie tin on the counter. She produced bags full of caramel corn for any event and house guests were always a reason for chocolate chip cookies. She had a great love for her family and friends, which was readily returned. Shirley / Mom / GG / Aunt Shirley will be deeply missed. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood, PA 15227 on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. at which time funeral services will be held in the funeral home chapel with a dessert reception immediately following in the Whitehall House. Rather than flowers, the family would prefer donations to Hilltop United Methodist Church, 631 E. Warrington Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15210 or Jumonville, 887 Jumonville Road, Hopwood, PA 15445. Please send condolences to www.johnfslater.com August 06, 2026 Linda, Debbie and Jimmy, I am so sorry to hear of the lose of your mother. She was always so friendly, upbeat and positive from when I first met her in seventh grade, to chaperoning University of Life trips in high school, to the Young Drive neighborhood when we visited Gary's parents to seeing her at all the Flapjacks festivals at BCUMC. She alwys had a smile on her face. You will all have wonderful memories and stories to share for years to come that will help you overcome the void she has left. I am sorry I am not in town to see you and help celebrate her life with you. My prayers are with you as you navigate life with her guiding you as an angel. Debbie Gallagher August 06, 2026 Dear Debbie and family, How incredibly blessed you were to have your mother, grandmother and GG in your life. She was am amazing woman that cherished her friends and family. I will never see a squirrel without thinking of her and her wonderful husband. Deb, I'm always here for you! I may not join you at the casino but, I'm always available for lunch or an adventure. Love to you all. Colleen August 06, 2026 There are not enough beautiful words to describe this amazing woman. What a wondrous life she led with family and friends. I'm so glad that I was able to hug and kiss her one last time in church. ⛪🙏😇 💒❤️ August 06, 2026 Shirley was a wonderful neighbor, always so kind and thoughtful. A ray of sunshine. I will always remember the beautiful music she played at my wedding mass. Rest in peace. August 06, 2026 When I watched my sister begin piano lessons, I remember hearing so much about Mrs. Schmunk and the joy she brought to every lesson that I begged my parents to let me take piano lessons too. I argued that the lessons would help me become a better violinist—and, if I'm honest, it was also a welcome break from my much stricter violin teacher. I didn't realize I was gaining so much more than music lessons. Mrs. Schmunk was gently sassy and had a warmth that made learning a joy. She taught with patience, humor, and kindness. I feel especially grateful that my sisters and I were able to visit her this past winter to drop off Christmas cookies. It had been quite some time, but she was still as sharp as a tack and absolutely lit up when she saw us. I will forever be grateful for the time I spent as her student and will cherish those lessons- and the memories of her- for the rest of my life. August 05, 2026 Shirley was a wonderful piano/organ player who was always available when we needed her at Jumonville during Family Week. I'm sure she's playing for Jesus now! She was always cheerful with a great sense of humor. You never heard her complain even during the rough times! We will miss her so much! August 04, 2026 I only knew Mrs. Schmunk by the legacy she built in her son, Jim. He is a wonderful, funny, Godly man with whom I have had the privilege of attending a Bible study, church, etc. over the years.. I am sure his mom contributed greatly to who Jim is. My wife Rebecca and I give our sincere condolences to Mrs. Schmunk's family. Blessings, Scott Wilhite August 03, 2026 I Love her so much she was like a 2nd Mom and everything to me it hurt so much I can't stop crying can't believe I can't give her a hug and kiss and ask how she was doing every Sunday at church I am going to miss her so much she will always be on my mind Love you 🥰😘😘❤️❤️❤️ August 03, 2026 Mrs. Schmunk was a legend in our household! She taught my mom, my two sisters, and myself piano. Every Thursday, Mrs. Schmunk was so patient with me as I played every song too fast so I could be done. Mrs. Schmunk was too smart for my tricks and would make me replay the songs at the correct tempo. She always would laugh and share stories of her family and church. In my later years I noticed how much of a Godly woman she really was- committed for playing piano for church and was a loving and compassionate person to everyone. Prayers to her family, as losing Mrs. Schmunk is a big loss for us but I am excited for her to play piano for Mr. Schmunk again! August 03, 2026 Shirley was such an incredibly warm and welcoming presence at Hilltop. She was such a talented organist/pianist and leader of the choir when I was an awkward teenage boy trying to figure out how to sing in a choir. My deepest condolences to her blood family and church family. August 03, 2026 Shirley was one of the first people I met when I started supply-preaching for the South Hills Partnership UMCs. We hit it off right away, and shared a love of music (and pipe organs!) Shirley made me feel very welcome, and it has been a JOY working alongside her for over 10 years. She also always loved hearing about Jesus. The two of them were longtime friends, and I know she's now been welcomed home. August 03, 2026 Shirley made the effort to speak to me on my 1st day at Hilltop. She said "My name is Shirley, like Laverne and Shirley. My response was that I know a LaVerne; so I will not forget your name." She always smiled when she saw anyone. She was such a lovely person. I send my deepest sympathy to you. I pray that your memories help with your grief. August 03, 2026 I had the joy of being Shirley's pastor for six years. She was a saint of God who was a blessing to everyone who knew her. As I serve at Jumonville Camp this week as a chaplain, I sense how deeply her loss is felt at this place she loved so much. I'm praying for Shirley's family and friends, that the Lord would bless and keep them at this time. Well done, good and faithful servant! August 03, 2026 Mrs. Schmunk was my piano teacher for many years and a dear family friend. My sisters and I rotated through our 30- minute lessons and my brother would tag along so that he could participate in the UNO games that we played in the downtime with Mr. Schmunk. Their household was always warm and inviting. Mrs. Schmunk was incredibly gifted, Godly, and ambitious, and I cherish all that she taught me about both music and the importance of family. She will be missed. My sincerest condolences. August 02, 2026 In our family, going to the Schmunk's for weekly piano lessons was just as routine as Sunday church. Mrs. Schmunk was kind and chipper. Her patience shone through in her teaching of the piano. Her love for her family and her church was evident in every story she told. My condolences to Mrs. Schmunk's family and friends. August 02, 2026 Through her daughter, Debbie Soles, Shirley Schmunk had a huge impact and a lasting legacy in Dallas, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding communities . Her love, her laughter, and her inspiration will be remembered for many years to come by her many friends here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Her walk with Christ lit many pathways. Contact Us to have your link and message added here. Please fill out the form below. We will contact suitable submissions with further details.Shirley A. Schmunk
August 30, 1931 - August 01, 2026
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