Obituaries

Shirley Ann Conlon

10/9/1934 - 5/5/2026

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Obituary For Shirley Ann Conlon

Shirley Ann Conlon

October 9, 1934-May 5, 2026

“She Carried It Quietly”

In Loving memory of Shirley Ann Conlon, 91, of Altoona, has peacefully ascended to her Lord’s side in Heaven, to be reunited with her beloved husband, John R. Conlon, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage with.

Shirley Conlon was not an easy story to tell, but she was a powerful one.

A woman of few complaints and many burdens, she moved through life with a quiet endurance
that didn’t ask to be admired—and often wasn’t.

Married for 56 years, the wife of a football coach in her community, she stood on the sidelines of a life that asked much of her and gave back in complicated ways. She raised five children—
loving them in the only ways she knew how, even when that love didn’t always look the way it was needed, even when some could not stay to receive it.

But love was there. Not loud, not soft—but steady, buried deep, and real.

She knew heartache in ways that change a person. And still—she made room for laughter.

She was bold with her words, unafraid to say what others wouldn’t, sometimes to the delight,
sometimes to the embarrassment of those who stood beside her.

And she did stand out—because wherever she went, she insisted on finding something joyful.

At 91 years old, Shirley was still trying to dance. Still trying to make someone laugh. Still reaching for life, even when life had not always reached kindly for her.

She loved simple, beautiful things—planting flowers with care, changing curtains to make a space feel new again, holding close the quiet comfort of home. She shared a deep and meaningful bond with her sister, a connection that remained steady through the years.

And through it all—through pain, distance, disappointment, through a life that asked her to carry more than most—she did not complain.

Even at the end, she carried it quietly.

Under a full moon—a symbol of completion, reflection, and release—we imagine her finally setting those burdens down. Stepping into a peace that does not require endurance.
A place where love is no longer complicated, where joy does not have to be searched for—
because it simply is.

She leaves behind not perfection, but truth. Not an easy legacy, but a real one.

And for the one who stood beside her most closely, who gave years of unwavering care,
who set aside a life to make sure hers was not faced alone—there is a quiet, undeniable testament of love that cannot be measured in words.

Shirley Conlon was here. She mattered. She was loved—even when it was hard, even when it was quiet, even when it went unspoken.

And somewhere, we believe, she is finally dancing without hesitation, laughing without restraint, and resting without pain.

A beautiful soul—not in spite of what she endured, but shaped by it.

And now, finally, free.

Closing prayer, Lord, receive Shirley into Your loving arms and grant her the peace she so deeply deserves. Let her rest now, free of every burden she carried, and may her laughter echo in Your presence as her spirit finally dances unrestrained in Your eternal light.

At Shirley’s request, there will be no public visitation. Committal will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

Final arrangements for Shirley have been thoughtfully provided by The Stevens Mortuary.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.

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  • 05/10/2026

    Mike Brown

    I knew Shirley back in the 90's when I worked at the Allegro, and it was a pleasure to know her. She was a force to be reckoned with and always kept everyone on their toes. No matter what she was doing, she was doing it with pride. She had nicknames for everyone. I've thought about her often over the years. Rest easy Shirley. - Mike Brown

  • 05/10/2026

    Jane Kiser

    Conlon Family...... first of all you have my deepest sympathy. The obituary was really beautiful.....it said a lot about your mom. Yes Shirley did not mince with words and that is one of the many reasons I loved her. I know she will be missed by her family and friends. Sincerely...Jane Kiser

  • 05/09/2026

    Mike Mangia

    Shirley, I got to know you recently and the quiet presents mentioned were true! A beautiful spirit... GOD Bless you, and your family! With love, RIP Mike Mangia

  • 05/09/2026

    Bridget, Colleen and Maureen Conlon

    We were so sorry to hear about the death of our Aunt Shirley. She will always be remembered for her kindness. Not a soft kindness, but a kindness of strength demonstrated over the years. Her open heartedness shown to our grandfather during the last days of his life, gave peace to our family. The meals she prepared and sent to our father after the passing of our mother, reflected the kind of woman she truly was. Thank you, Aunt Shirley, for your humor, laughter, but most of all your kindness, always your kindness. With sympathy, Bridget, Colleen, and Maureen Conlon

  • 05/09/2026

    Cheryl Hatch

    Jen and Jerry I am so sorry about your mother passing. I only knew for a short time , but she was a sweet heart. Cheryl Hatch

  • 05/09/2026

    Ralph Schulman

    Goodbye Shirley, Your Friend, BunnyBee

  • 05/08/2026

    Timothy Bell

    Dear Conlon family , I would like to express my deepest sympathy. She was great person an May she rest in peace in heaven with John .May God bless you all. Love in Christ TIm Bell.

  • 05/08/2026

    Joellen and Charlie Beiswenger Beiswenger

    Prayers for the family. Shirley was my childhood neighbor for my whole childhood. Shirley was always concerned and looked after the neighborhood kids. Charlie and Joellen Beiswenger

  • 05/08/2026

    Patty Georgiana

    Shirley was always very kind to my mother and my family. I will always remember her sense of humor. She did not care what others thought, she was definitely her own person and I loved her for that. Patty (Snyder) Georgiana

  • 05/08/2026

    John Brown

    Rest in peace, Shirley. I worked with Shirley at Allegro. Shirley used to come in and help us roll veal meatballs. Shirley was a funny and wonderful person to be around. Always had us laughing. -John "Johnny"Brown

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