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CHAMPION -- The world lost some of its sparkle when Shirley A. Kirnec passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 17, 2024, at home.
Shirley's parents, Stephen and Helen Chovan Kirnec, were blessed with the arrival of their daughter on Nov. 25, 1940, in Warren.
Shirley was a 1958 graduate of Champion High School. Shortly after high school, she became a "stewardess" in what she called a "cut-throat industry." No doubt she would make each flight a special experience and look stunning while doing it.
In 1966, she began what would become a 56-year-career in the power strut industry. She started at Van Huffel in 1966 and remained there until it closed in 1985. She then spent nine years at Wesanco. In 1994, Flex-Strut Inc. was formed, and Shirley was there from the start. She remained there as the welcoming smile or friendly voice as an executive secretary until her retirement 28 years later on May 16, 2022.
Outside of work, Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, whether in person or "gabbing on the phone for hours." She enjoyed golfing with friends into her 70s. She took pride in taking care of her home, and her vehicles were kept immaculate by her daily. She was a true epitome of fashion.
She cherished her loved ones, was loyal to her friends and was kind to those she met. Shirley will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Shirley will always be remembered by her brother, William (Carol) Kirnec of Dayton; nephews, Randy (Tracy) Kirnec of Southington, with whom she made her home, and David Kirnec of Dayton; great-nephews, Brandon, Christopher (Jennifer), Michael (Julie) and Braydon Kirnec; cousin, Pam (Ron) Wildman; dear friends, Marie Palmer-Moranski, Becky Philibin and Stacy Wayland; and numerous great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
Besides her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her nephew, Michael Kirnec.
"To my Squirrel: Thank you for trusting me to care for you. I am humbled by the experience. I will miss the many laughs we shared, especially when you were laughing so hard but would tell me 'Don't make me laugh.' Sharing a meal with you that I had prepared was a joyful experience. You made me feel like a Michelin-starred Chef. It was a true pleasure to share girl days with you; manis, pedis, getting our hair done, and of course, lunch. Walk that golden runway, my beautiful Squirrel. Love, Tracy."
Per Shirley's wishes, no services will take place. "I don't want people staring at me."
Her family will honor her with a private graveside service at Champion Township Cemetery.
A special thanks goes to those who helped care for her: her favorite nurse, Jessi; aides, Dominique, Traci and Kayla; and the staff at Crossroads Hospice, for its compassionate care toward Shirley in her final days.
Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiand
sonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Kirnec family.
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