Shirley M. Mithelavage

July 3, 2026

Shirley May Mithelavage,91 (formerly of Hunlock Creek) was called home to rest in the arms of the Lord on July 3, 2026, at Edenbrook at Hampton House, Hanover Township.

She was born in Oxford England on May 31, 1935, the second daughter the late Leonard Francis Winifred Elizabeth Nelson. She was the wife of TSgt. Edward Joseph Mithelavage Sr. USAF retired, who passed away in 2003.

They met and married while he was serving in England in the USAF and subsequently came to the US as a bride in 1957. Over the years they became parents of seven children. As a family they traveled with the Air Force for the next seventeen and a half years living in Ohio, New York, England, Nanticoke (while her husband was in Vietnam) Maine and Massachusetts.

After retiring, the family moved to West Nanticoke where Shirley was President of the Harter Elementary School PTA, Den leader for Cub Scouts at the Tilbury Fire Co., and Girl Scout Leader for Troop 264. In 1982 the family moved to Hunlock Creek. Shirley attended LCCC, graduating with a degree in early childhood education. She taught at Magic Years Center until 1990 when she opened Teddy Bears Childcare and Preschool Facility. She retired in 2003, continuing her active lifestyle by joining the Red Hats Society, senior league bowling team, Morgan Hills Golf League, and pursuing her interests in art at Stoney Creek Studios. She was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, and Post 56 Vietnam Veterans.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Edward Joseph, infant son James Frank, son in laws George Kempinski Jr. and Robert Tomassacci, granddaughter Karen Hazeline and brother Arthur Melson.

Her greatest accomplishment are her remaining family. Daughters Sheryle Kosek, Hunlock Creek, Betty Lynn Kempinski, Hanover Township, Karen Sue Hughes, Lehigh Acres, FL., Jomarie Mithelavage, Warrior Run, sons Edward Joseph Mithelavage, Hunlock Creek, and Louis John Mitelavage, Hanover Township., son in law Richard Kosek, Grandchildren Erica Lee, Nadine, Brian Jr., and Joshua Thomas, Great Grandchildren Makaylah, Bryce, Madison, Brooke, Shyann, Maddix, and Great Great Grandson Reese. Also surviving are her sisters Eda Saunders and Fay Ollis, England, sister-in-law Georgene Marshallick, Nanticoke, several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday July 9th at 12:00 P.M. at Good Shepherd Polish National Catholic Church, 269 E Main Street, Plymouth, with the Very Rev. Father Lucian Urbaniak officiating.

Interment will be in the parish cemetery, Hunlock Creek.

Family and friends may call on Thursday morning from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Charles L. Cease Funeral Home, 634 Reyburn Road, Shickshinny.

For online condolences, please visit www.clceasefuneralhome.com