Shirley Jean (Shoemaker) Mullen

Shirley Jean Mullen, 85, of Prospect, widow of James J. Mullen, passed away peacefully at home on April 18, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family. 

Shirley was born on August 14, 1937 in Shickshinny, PA, one of eleven children of the late Ethel Mae (Noss) and James Barton Shoemaker.

Shirley was a people person and had a warm heart. For many years she worked as a waitress at Howard Johnson and Delany’s Restaurant in Middlebury. In her free time she enjoyed crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with her family. Family was everything to Shirley and her cooking brought them together. She was known for her mashed potatoes and gravy (with raisins!) but her family absolutely loved everything Shirley cooked.

Left to cherish Shirley’s memory are her three daughters: Ethel Carpinella and her husband Michael of Prospect, Alberta Mullen-Skirkanich of Royal Palm Beach, FL, and Sami Gunnoud and her husband David of Long Island, NY; her son Joseph Mullen of Southbury; her two siblings Wayne Shoemaker of Lancaster, PA, and Dorothy Knouse and her husband Joseph of Shickshinny, PA; fifteen grandchildren, thirty-seven great-grandchildren (with two on the way), one great-great grandchild, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Shirley is predeceased by her husband James who left her side in December of 2020, as well as eight siblings, and her granddaughter Tonya Paiva.

At Shirley’s request, there are no services. Burial will be in Sorber Cemetery in Reyburn, PA at the convenience of her family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice. You are invited to share a fond memory, photo and words of comfort for Shirley’s family on her Tribute Wall on this website.