Shirley was the cherished daughter of Susan and Russel Murfin. She grew up in Kirksville, Missouri, alongside her brother, Joseph Murfin (Carol), and sister, Camile Garrett (Jerry).
Shirley was a loving wife and devoted mother who took great pride in her children and grandchildren.
Shirley is survived by her devoted husband and her children: Debra Passias (Alan), Diane Cecutti (Dan), Dr. Jay Passias (Jill), and Scott Passias (Shelly). She was the beloved "Mimi" of Patrick Shane Conley, Kyle Conley (Jessica), Jeremy Conley (Ashlee), Jordan Conley, Shelby McNally (Jamie), Braden Passias, Karic Cecutti, Cassandra Cecutti, Amelia Passias, and Grayson Passias. Shirley also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly, as well as six great-grandchildren.
Shirley graduated from high school in Lewistown, Missouri, and attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College. She and John were married at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio, on October 27, 1956. Upon moving to Columbus, Shirley worked for the Ohio Electric Co. before dedicating herself to raising her children.
Despite her petite stature, Shirley was an impressive athlete. She excelled in basketball during high school and played team tennis for many years at the Worthington Hills Country Club. She was also musically talented, playing in her school band and singing in the choir.
She and John loved to entertain and travel. They traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. Shirley delighted in sharing stories of their adventures and the friendships they formed along the way.
A dedicated volunteer, Shirley spent time at Doctors Hospital and later served as a CAPA usher. Like her father, she was a staunch conservative and spent many hours volunteering for the Republican Party. She and John attended several Presidential inaugurations. Shirley and John were members of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Columbus, where they volunteered for many years at the annual Greek Festival.
Shirley also had a very special and close-knit group of friends known as the "Soup Group" of Worthington Hills. Formed in 1975, twelve ladies met every Wednesday to cook, craft, laugh, and share stories. They played tennis together and continued to meet long after their tennis days had ended. They celebrated milestones and supported each other throughout their lives.
Shirley's warmth, dedication, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Friends and family will be received from 3:00-5:00 PM at Schoedinger Margarum Northeast on July 20 immediately followed by a 5:00PM service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts - www.capa.com) in Shirley's memory.
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