Shirley R. Godfrey

Shirley Regina (Southward) Godfrey, age 88 formerly of Tarentum, passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at Allegheny Valley Hospital, Natrona Heights surrounded by her three sons and daughter in laws. Born November 27,1929 in Tarentum, PA, to the late William “Bus” and Doris (Matava) Southward. Shirley lived most of her life in Tarentum and Brackenridge where she was a graduate of Har-Brack High School in 1947. Upon graduation, Shirley worked at Alcoa, New Kensington, later at the Kmart and Valley News Dispatch. 

Meeting at a local YMCA dance in 1949,  Shirley married Wilbert Godfrey from Tarentum, PA., just before his recent death, they celebrated 70 years of marriage together.

Shirley’s greatest love was entertaining and spending time with her family. She enjoyed decorating her home for all the many holidays, Christmas being her favorite time of year. She was generous, loving and compassionate to all, a great sense of humor who loved telling stories especially about family history. From her PTA days when her sons where in school to volunteer election board, Shirley was involved in her community. She was president and/or board member for Woman’s Club of Allegheny Community, Community Service Club of Tarentum and Homelife.  For years she was the organizer & leader of a volunteer woman’s crew who knitted lap robes for incoming patients at Health South, Harmarvile, PA. Under her guidance 100’s of colorful lap robes were donated.
Shirley liked reading, watching television, keeping up with the news and popular culture.

Surviving family are her three sons, William A. “Bill” Godfrey, Natrona, John (Karen) Godfrey, Natrona Heights & Arthur (Chris) Godfrey, Sarver; grandson J. Patrick (Shannon) Godfrey, Brackenridge and great grandchildren Chase Godfrey, Mason Smith, Payton Godfrey, Zander Godfrey, step grandchild Gentry Kerwood & step great grandchildren Katlyn Smith & Nolan Loskoch. Also surviving is a sister Marion Jo Matuizek, Tarentum and beloved nephews Jeff "Goose", Ed, Mark and Michael Matuizek. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by husband Wilbert James Godfrey 4/12/2018, a granddaughter Kelly Godfrey Smith and Kelly’s unborn baby Gabriel John.

Visitation 2-4 and 6-8 PM Sunday in the Duster Funeral Home, Inc. 347 E 10^th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526 where services will be held on Monday at 10:30 AM with Rev. R. Cameron Malcolm, IV, officiating. Burial in Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights. Family suggests contributions to Natrona Comes Together, 20 Walnut St., Natrona, PA 15065. VISIT: dusterfh.com