Shirley June Aitken

Shirley was born on December 8, 1934, in New Kensington, Pennsylvania to the late Gilbert “Gib” and Mary (Wills) Irwin. With interests in playing the piano and dancing, she graduated from New Kensington High School in 1952 and had plans to become a secretary. Instead, after meeting him on a blind date, she became the beloved wife of Ralph C. Aitken when they married on May 23, 1953. The two created a legacy as they raised their four children, before he preceded her in death on August 24, 1989.

“Meme” (christened with that precious name by her first born grandson) will forever be lovingly remembered by her family, including son, Thomas Aitken (Brenda), and daughters, Susan Morris (Hugh), Nancy Bird (Dave), and Debbie Dunham (Shawn); grandchildren David Aitken (Mary), Brian Aitken (Lucy), Laura Hill (Baxter), Amanda Aitken, Justin Morris (Krystal), Rob Bird (Melanie), and Mike Bird (Cari); great-grandchildren Isla Aitken, Nolan Aitken, Eloise Hill, Tori Morris, Jaelyn Morris, Kristen Morris, Khloe Morris, Braden Morris, Kiernan Bird, Kendall Bird, Carter Bird, and Mackenzie Bird; sister, Mary Ann Korzon (Lawrence), and brother-in-law, James Luffy; and numerous generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Jean Harrison. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by siblings Glenn Irwin, Marjorie (Irwin) Luffy, and Clyde Irwin; and in-laws Wilma (Aitken) Sandy, Francis Sandy, Bertha “Tootles” (Aitken) and James Swickey, Norma “Jeannie” Aitken, Louise Irwin, and Annie Laurie “Orie” Irwin Ference; and grandson Andrew Morris.

Shirley and her husband, Ralph, moved their young family from Ohio to Satellite Beach in 1964 and quickly became a part of the church and school communities. They were charter members of Satellite Beach United Methodist Church and remained actively involved throughout their lives until their respective passings.

Shirley loved the LORD, her family, her friends, and her Church. She was a faithful and thoughtful woman, a devoted wife, mother, and friend, and was known for her fondness of organization, her creativity, and innovative ideas. When she made a commitment to someone or something, it would be met with her most fervent effort and she encouraged all of us to do the same: “If you’re going to do something, do it well and to the best of your ability.” Fortunately for her family, she carried that inspiration into preparing her famous meatloaf and her delicious potato salad – always a favorite and frequently requested!

Shirley was a formidable presence and was an avid supporter of her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s activities and interests. She held dear her time spent with others in the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) / United Methodist Women, Girl Scouts, PTA, Tri-Gray-Y, teaching Sunday School, the Crafts ‘n’ Stuff group, Senior Aerobics, SBUMC Spring Festivals, the Young at Heart Fellowship, Military Support Ministries, Bereavement Teams, the Aldersgate Walk to Emmaus #140, and numerous other board positions at the church.

Shirley filled her days with long phone conversations, event and holiday decorating, grassroots political campaigning, lunches at Cracker Barrel, watching sports with specific loyalty to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Rays, trips to Pennsylvania and North Carolina, and sharing laughter, memories, and good times with her family. Everyone had a place at her table – even when those tables had to be expanded yet again to accommodate her growing brood! Please rejoice with us in knowing that she is now sitting at a glorious table prepared for her by the God she adored.

The family expresses their extreme gratefulness and appreciation to our Mother’s doctors, nurses, and staff as well as the doctors, nurses, therapists, and staff at Viera Hospital, Holmes Regional Medical Center, Sea Pines Rehabilitation Center, Palm Bay Hospital, and the William Childs Hospice House. We were truly blessed by your obvious love and tender care of our dear Mom.

A celebration of Shirley’s life and faith will take place at Satellite Beach United Methodist Church located at 450 Lee Avenue Satellite Beach, FL 32937 on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Harry Holloman officiating.

At Shirley’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Main Street, Enterprise, FL 32725 OR the Florida Wildlife Hospital, 4560 North US Hwy 1, Melbourne, FL 32935.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FloridaMemorialFH-Gardens.com for the Aitken family.