Shirley S. Stratton

Shirley Shuey Stratton, beloved mother and grandmother, was born April 30,1931 in Tower City, Pennsylvania. She was the only child of Mae Geib Shuey and Arthur “Pete” Shuey. Shirley loved Pennsylvania, especially the Tower City area. She and husband Don retired to Hershey, PA after 50 years in northern Virginia. She was a 1949 graduate of Lemoyne High School, a proud “49er.” She met her husband Donald Stratton in high school and began a 70-year romance. They married in June 1952 and embarked on many adventures related to Don’s service in the US Navy Band. Shirley was a committed and proud Navy military wife, supporting Don’s career, first in San Diego, then Honolulu, HI, and eventually where they settled in Alexandria, Virginia, where Don was the principal trombonist in the US Navy Band. Shirley was an unsung hero in many ways, to Don’s Navy career, her family, but also to many friends, neighbors, and community organizations. She was a prolific and enthusiastic volunteer for the PTA, various animal rescue groups, her children’s sports and music programs, Cameron United Methodist Church, where she sang in the church choir, and other community outreach. She worked part-time for food service in Fairfax County schools. She was in the front row of numerous concerts, football games, and school events. A noted cat lover, Shirley rescued numerous cats, making space in her home and making sure lost cats had homes. She volunteered and raised funds for numerous animal rescue groups and was known to feed animal strays of all kinds. She was the primary care giver for her two children, and an untold number of neighborhood children and friends. She was a prolific bowler and an outspoken Washington Redskins fan, as well as a fan of Penn State University. She and Don were avid travelers and campers, visiting almost every state in the country. They celebrated 70 years of marriage shortly before Don’s passing in 2022. Shirley spent her last years in Bethany Village retirement home in Mechanicsburg, PA, where she shared her sense of humor and smiles with those around her until her passing. She will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery alongside Don, date to be announced. She is survived by two children, Sandra and David, son-in-law Kerwin Swint, and three grandchildren: Jacob, Zach, and Matthew. A Memorial Service will be held at a date to be decided in conjunction with her burial at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the local humane society.

Shirley S. Stratton

April 30, 1931 - December 30, 2024