Shirley A. Willkow

Shirley Willkow was welcomed into glory on the morning of August 12th, 2020. Born September 4th, 1929 in Berlin PA, she was a daughter of Henry and Mary (Baer) Willkow, who preceded her in death. 

Shirley had a gift for friendship and leadership. Her wisdom, compassion and spirit inspired folks young and old, especially fellow 12-steppers, all up and down the Susquehanna Valley. She befriended and encouraged others over her decade at Milton Nursing Home, where she received much care and kindness.  

Shirley graduated from Berlin-Brothers Valley High School and attended evening classes at Duquesne University. While in Pittsburgh, she worked as a legal secretary at U.S. Steel, and was briefly married to Lou Cotton. 

Arriving in central Pennsylvania, Shirley joined First Presbyterian Church, Watsontown, in 1975. She was ordained a deacon in 1976, and elder in 1991. She was a legal secretary for Interstate Motor Freight, and a counselor at several substance abuse treatment centers, including White Deer Run, in Allenwood.  

She is survived by beloved nieces and nephews: Marilyn Archibald of Harrisburg, Carolyn Lambert of Shanksville, Ken Willkow of Somerset, David Willkow of Berlin, Joseph O'Brien of Albrightsville, Connell O'Brien of Ephrata, Greg O’Brien of Lansdale, and Kevin O'Brien of Churchville. She was preceded in death by sister, Mary Louise O'Brien, and brothers Henry, Richard, and Clarence Willkow.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, October 27th, at First Presbyterian Church, Watsontown, with her pastor the Rev. Paul Smith presiding, assisted by the Rev. Elizabeth Affsprung. Burial in IOOF Cemetery, Berlin PA, at the convenience of her family. 

Please leave thoughts for Shirley’s family on her “Tribute Wall,” found through her obituary at the www.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brooks Funeral Home & Cremation Svc PC, 124 Main Street, Watsontown.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley A. Willkow, please visit our floral store.