Shirley I. Buckwalter

Shirley Buckwalter, aged 98, passed away on October 17, 2024. She leaves behind her three daughters; Cheryl (Richard) Coniglio; Jill Cardamone; and Sue (Barry) Royer; 7 grandchildren, Julie (Ryan) Quinby; Greg (Joanna) Cardamone, Dave (Dayna) Royer; Tim (Tyler) Royer; Rob Coniglio; Liz (Sean) Ruane; Meg Royer; and 4 great grandchildren, Sophia, Gregory, and Jake Cardamone and Abe Quinby; and her loving companion, Fred Reichert. Shirley grew up in Altoona, PA with her parents Grace and Al, aka AP, Isenberg and her brother, Don, who died in a WWII training mission plane crash. After graduating from Altoona High School, she earned a scholarship to attend Ursinus College. It was there that she met David Buckwalter, who was looking for a girl who could play golf and bridge. Despite having no prior experience with either, Shirley was game and they were married on June 21, 1947. The years that followed were good for Shirley and Dave as they settled into the home they built on Washington Street in Royersford with their three daughters and many well loved family dogs. The family enjoyed lots of outdoor adventures including camping, waterskiing, swimming and snowmobiling. As their girls grew up, Shirley and Dave spent many happy hours playing golf at Spring-Ford Country Club and at the bridge table. Shirley was very proud of her long teaching career, including teaching eighth grade physical science at Spring-Ford Jr High and chemistry at Spring-Ford High School and bridge after she retired in 1985. Dave and she moved to Sun City Center Retirement Community in Florida where she continued to enjoy golf, even scoring a hole in one, and bridge, along with pickleball, quilting, needlework and ceramics. During their years in Sun City, Shirley and Dave, now both bridge life masters and directors, began teaching and directing bridge games for several luxury cruise lines. This gig was a dream come true for Shirley, providing her with the opportunity to travel all over the world. Shirley loved recalling her visits, especially to Christ Church, New Zealand, the Gaza Strip, and the fjords of Norway. Shirley lost Dave on April 5, 1999 and moved to Shannondell in Audubon, PA in 2005 where she continued to enjoy a variety of interests, including watching the Phillies, Eagles and college basketball and football, playing bridge and bocce, quilting, needlework, traveling and reading. All who knew and loved her will be happy to know that Shirley retained her mental sharpness, independent spirit and strong will right to the very end. Burial will be private. Donations in Shirley's honor may be made to the Spring-Ford Educational Foundation at 857 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA or online. Arrangements are being handled by the Cattermole-Klotzbach Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered online at www.RoyersfordFuneralHome.com.

Shirley I. Buckwalter

July 24, 1926 - October 17, 2024