Mrs. Shirley S. Jahn

Shirley S Jahn, 89 of Virginia Beach passed away peacefully after her lengthy battle with, and complications from, Alzheimer’s. During her final days she was surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Shirley was born September 9, 1936 in Springton, WV, moving to Norfolk after graduating high school. Shortly after, she began a forty plus year career as a government civilian employee, ultimately serving for many years as Technical Director of NAVMASSO, Chesapeake. After her retirement, she worked 8 years for AMSEC as Director of Operations for its C4I business unit and several years after in Business Development roles for SAIC and Valkyrie. She was a fierce advocate for her employees, treated everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect, served as a mentor to many, especially young women getting started or advancing in their careers. She was thoughtful, generous, and giving of her time and attention.

Shirley loved her family dearly and is survived by her children, Karen L DiDomenico, Karl W (Billy) Jahn Jr (Shari), and Michael F Jahn (Marcey), all of Virginia Beach, her grandchildren, Kristin DiDomenico (Vinnie), Erin Salonga (Joseph), Katherine Fedo (Pasquali), Kevin Jahn (Katrina), Justin Jahn, Karlie Jahn, and Morgan Jahn and a sister Nancy Ridenour (William) San Antonio, TX. She also leaves behind 8 great grandchildren Luke, Landon, Nicholas, Anna, Hudson, Payton, Conrad, and Oliver. Shirley was also very close to her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Karl W Jahn, her parents Frank H Sparks (Francis) and Catherine F Berube (Martin), her sisters Juanita C. Schaefer (Bill), and S. Jean Hauser (Gus) and a brother, Howard F Sparks (Irene).

Shirley’s relationship with God was important to her. She along with her husband Karl, were involved with St Gregory the Great Catholic Church before the first physical church was built, attending Mass with other families at Barry Robinson Chapel in the late 1950s. She faithfully attended Mass, until her physical mobility and memory declined. She was supportive financially and with her time, serving for many years as a Eucharistic Minister. Her children and some grandchildren attended school here and they along with some great grandchildren celebrated many milestone sacraments at St Gregory’s.

Our family wants to thank the employees of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Extensive Assisted Living Facility for the daily care given to Shirley during the past twenty months. Also, the wonderful support provided by Westminster Hospice over the past month and especially for the comfort and peace provided in her last few days.

Finally, to Haley Bain, Katie Fedo, Ashlyn Gouldthread, Meghan Rayhill, and Barbara Galloway who provided companion care to mom during her time while still home and continuing through to her last days in assisted living, a special thank you for your compassion and love for Shirley.

Visitation is Wednesday evening, May 13, 2026 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk from 5-8.

A Funeral Mass will take place at St Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach on May 14, 2026 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Committal is at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk after completion of the Mass.

Donations may be made to St Gregory the Great Catholic Church or Alzheimer Association.