Age 70, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2017, surrounded by her family at Millcreek Community Hospital in Erie.  

Born September 29, 1947, she was the daughter of Robert Joseph Barnhart and Florence Carle Barnhart.  She was born and raised in Lawrenceville and was a resident of Penn Hills since 1974.

She was happily married to David Woodford Pike from 1968 until his untimely death in 1979.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Saad Fathi; her daughter, Michelle A. Pike Anderson and husband Warren, of Dayton, OH; daughter Jennifer E. Bretz and husband John, of Erie; her brother, Robert J. Barnhart, and wife Joan, of Acworth, Georgia, and three adoring grandsons, Parker David Anderson, Payton Lee Anderson, and David Magnus Bretz.  Many cousins, nieces, and a nephew also survive.

She is predeceased by her parents, her older sister, Judith Ann Chmielewski, and an infant sister, Mary.

Known for a strong work ethic throughout her life, Shirley was a nurse for several years at the now-defunct St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh.  For the last few years, she was a cashier at Giant Eagle in Penn Hills.  However, her greatest work was raising her two daughters with lots of laughter and love.

She was a feisty, witty, and spirited woman with an offbeat sense of humor.  She was the life of the party and kept everyone smiling and laughing.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff at Millcreek Hospital ICU and LECOM Senior Living Center, both located in Erie.

Friends and relatives will be received on Wednesday December 27 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  with the Blessing Service at 8 p.m. at Neely Funeral Home, 2208 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw. 

Interment will be at Allegheny County Memorial Park in Allison Park.

Shirley’s life is best captured by the words of Hunter S. Thompson: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow!  What a ride!’”  After a long ride that was sometimes bumpy but always interesting, she’s now home.

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