Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Shirley Marie Mueller

Age 91, of Whitehall, passed away early Saturday morning, August 8, 2026 after a long and courageous battle against cancer.

Shirley was born November 27, 1934 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh, to Marie Scanlon and Elmer Cole. She grew up during the Great Depression with her sisters Lorraine and Irene, and often recalled a simple, happy childhood. She attended St. George's school in Allentown where she met her husband, the late Joseph “Joe” Mueller.

Shirley and Joe married on September 18, 1954 when she was 19 years old. They shared a 50 year marriage and built their life together in Brentwood, where they raised four children; twins Charles (Pam) Mueller and Regina (Jim) McLean, Patricia (Bob) Speer and Joseph (Sally) Mueller.

Family was Shirley’s greatest priority. She was a devoted wife and mother and an accomplished seamstress. She worked for many years as a medical secretary at Mercy Hospital, where she was known for her dependability and kindness.

A woman of deep faith and service, Shirley taught Catholic Religious Education for 30 years. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels for several years, giving generously to her community. Shirley enjoyed an active and social life. She loved tennis and playing Bridge with her friends up until age 90. She also was an avid reader of historical fiction.

She cherished her 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; talking about them repeatedly. She took pride in their accomplishments and was happiest when surrounded by them.

Known for her strength & resilience - she was known as her family's “Rosie the Riveter”. She lived with purpose and humility, finding joy in simple pleasures such as family gatherings, friendships, books, and time on the tennis court and bridge table.

Shirley leaves behind a lasting legacy through her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and all those she touched through her teaching, work and service. She will be remembered for her love, strength and deep faith. Shirley will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227, on Monday, August 10, 2026 from 4:00-8:00pm. A Funeral Prayer will be held on Tuesday morning at 9:45 in the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will follow in Blessed Trinity Parish, St. Sylvester Church at 10:30 a.m.