SHIRLEY CECELIA CRISTE, MARCH 1,1934 - MARCH 8, 2014
Shirley Cecelia Criste, 80, of State College, PA, died peacefully at her home after a short struggle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones. Shirley was born on March 1 st, 1934 in a small community in Cambria County (Spindley City, near Ashville, PA). She was the youngest daughter of Clement Peter Trexler and Emma Evanna Carland, both deceased. She is survived by her husband, Colonel Charles K. Criste, and her children, a son, James D. Rhoa, wife Jane and their daughter Maddison Jane, of Spruce Creek, PA, and a daughter, Lori Ann Pachelli, of Naples, FL. Also surviving are six step children: Barbara Rader, Marcella Criste, and Dorothy Lohr of Wichita Falls, TX; Kenneth Criste of Austin, TX; Terrence Criste (Renee), of Canonsburg, PA, and Matthew Criste (Debbie), of Atlanta, GA. Surviving also are brothers David Earl Trexler of Duncansville, Louis Anthony Trexler of Cresson, and one sister-in-law, Hilda Trexler, of Altoona. Shirley was preceded in death by three brothers: Francis, Alvin, and Robert, plus an 18-month old sister, Lottie. Shirley is also survived by numerous step grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She married Colonel Charles Criste on July 13th, 1978 and they renewed their vows ~in March
of 1993 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, in State College, PA.
While in Altoona, Shirley worked for Bee-Line Clothing as a hostess. She .was a member of the Newburg Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, where she organized the Ladies Aux marching unit; her ladies won several trophies. In State College, she was a school crossing guard for the State College Police. She also worked at the State College Manor as Director of Activities. Shirley spent seventeen years at the State College Food Bank as manager of the clothes closet. She was honored as volunteer of the year, receiving the Rose Cologne Award for her many years of service. She was a member of the State College American Legion Auxiliary, serving as president for four years. She was also a member of Centre County RSVP for which she received many tokens for her service.
During the time of her active life she loved to spend time in her vegetable and flower gardens and cook for her family. A gregarious and giving individual, she had several neighbor friends that she dearly loved and her very special buddy was her little Chihuahua, Maddy. For her entire life she was devoted to helping anyone in need.
Her final arrangements are by Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral Home. Friends and family may
sign an online guest book. At Shirley's request there will be no public viewing. There will be a service to celebrate her life at a date to be determined. She requested that any donations be made to the State College Area Food Bank, 276 West Hamilton Ave. State College, PA 16801