Shirley A. Wright Caldwell
Shirley A. Wright Caldwell, 86, formerly of Avella, died Friday, January 8, 2021, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
She was born October 20, 1934, in Independence, a daughter of the late Howard “Skip” Wright and Helen Burwell Wright.
Ms. Caldwell was a Methodist.
Ms. Caldwell was very active in the Republican Party, having run for State Representative in 1982 and 1984 in the 46th district and serving as committeewoman. She also served as secretary of the Washington County Republican Party.
Governor Thornburg appointed Ms. Caldwell for a term on the State Board of PA Department of Public Welfare.
She was one of 100 women from the Northeast to be invited to a luncheon at the White House with President and Mrs. Regan and other dignitaries.
She served on the board of the Northwest Washington Community Medical Center, the American Red Cross, the Bradford House, was past president and honorary state life member of the Avella Parent Teacher Association. Ms. Caldwell was also a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She organized and was president of the AFL-CIO Union in Avella Area Schools, and served as a volunteer for many organizations.
Ms. Caldwell was employed for 20 years as secretary to Dr. Charles Gersna in the Avella Elementary School. She was also employed by the PA Department of Revenue as a tax enforcement officer for 15 years, retiring in November 1999.
Surviving Ms. Caldwell are four children, Susan (Bruce) Linner of Carnegie, W. Randall (Lisa) Caldwell of Alexandria, Va., Gretchen Jenkins of Pittsburgh, Judy Manning of Green Acres, Fla.; six grandchildren, Scott, Anna, Kyle, Kathryn, Jennifer and Jessica; and a sister, Esther Chalfant of Follansbee, W.Va.
Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, was a brother, Harlan Wright.
All funeral services are private. Burial will be in Independence Cemetery, Avella.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Avella Public Library, 11 School Court A, Avella, PA 15312, or to Independence Methodist Church, 166 Washington Pike, Avella, PA 15312.
Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.