SHIRLEY GINGO

Shirley Monica Gingo

September 26, 1947 - March 2, 2024

The Handmaiden of God, Shirley Monica Gingo, fell asleep in the Lord on March 2, 2024 surrounded by her loving family after a brave and tenacious fight with pancreatic cancer.

Shirley was born on September 26, 1947 to John and Maria Roskoski at Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, PA. An Army Brat, Shirley grew up on military bases around the world, from Fort Bliss, El Paso, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Germany. Her family settled in Chase, PA upon her father’s retirement from the US army.

Shirley attended Lake-Lehman High School where she was a cheerleader and played the French Horn in the famous Lake-Lehman marching band, graduating in 1965. She met the love of her life, Eugene Gingo soon after, and began Nursing School at King’s County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, graduating in 1968 as a Registered Nurse. She soon started her nursing career at Retreat State Hospital in Newport Township, PA.

Shirley and Eugene married on May 24, 1969. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed the first of four beautiful children, who were the most important things in her life. She and her family settled in Shavertown, PA, where she lived until her passing, 2 months shy of her 55th wedding anniversary.

Shirley later worked as a Registered Nurse at Mercy Hospital, and then Nesbitt Memorial Hospital in Kingston, PA where she remained until her retirement. She had nothing but the fondest memories of her time at Nesbitt and the life-long friends she met there.

Shirley did not handle idle time well at all - she simply had to be busy. She filled her time with many worthwhile causes. When her children were young, she was active with Little League Baseball, Mini Football, Youth Wrestling, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and especially her Church and Faith - St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Edwardsville, PA. Shirley freely gave of her time, talent and treasure without a second thought. She was instrumental in the Church’s participation in the Edwardsville Festival, which led to the creation of the parish’s annual ethnic Food Festival. Shirley started the annual Rummage Sale, as well as the parish’s involvement with the Edwardsville Pierogie Festival. She taught Sunday School for well over 30 years, up to the time she became ill. Shirley was the proprietor of the parish book and craft store, and always insured it was well-stocked. She spearheaded the pagach and haluski projects, the Pentecost Tree Project, the memorial brick project, and even managed to paint the church fence while she was recovering from chemotherapy. She was especially busy during Christmas and Easter. Shirley was known to grab strangers and neighbors off the street and bring them into the church and celebrate with us - her Faith was strong and remained so until the very end.

Shirley later accepted a position with the Dallas School District as a School Nurse, where she tended to everything from boo-boos, hunger and clothing for disadvantaged children. She cared deeply for her “little patients.”

Shirley was also very active with the Back Mountain Memorial Library auction. For years she could be found at the furniture tent, raising money for the library.

When not out helping those in need, Shirley enjoyed tending to her garden, crafting and especially looking for deals at the thrift store - she had a great eye.

Without a doubt, her most precious time was spent with her family who gathered every Sunday for dinner and to enjoy each other’s company, discussing the days’ homily, current events or anything else that came up. These were special times for all.

Shirley was preceded in death by: Infant sister Ursula Roskoski; Brother Karl Roskoski; Father John Roskoski; Mother Maria Roskoski; Sister Karin Thomas; and the recently deceased Son Aaron Gingo.

She is survived by: Husband Eugene Gingo, Shavertown; Son Aric Gingo and Wife Michele, Shavertown; Daughter Rebecca Kosierowski and Husband Stephen, Dallas; Son Matthew, Shavertown and grandchildren Gabrielle, Talia, Jesse, Ivan, Vladimir and Maxim.

The family would like to thank all the faithful who helped Shirley accomplish the many good deeds she did - her friends from the parish, her friends from her years as an RN, and her many acquaintances she made along the way. 

A viewing for Shirley will be held on Wednesday, March 6, from 3PM - 6PM at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 93 Zerby Avenue, Edwardsville, PA, followed immediately by a Parastas Service. Funeral will begin at 10AM on Thursday, March 7, at St. John’s, followed by a final ride past her home and internment at Fern Knoll.

In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are encouraged to make a donation in Shirley’s name to St. John the Baptist Church.

Memory Eternal!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of SHIRLEY GINGO, please visit our floral store.