September 06, 2010 - 7:52 PM EST
	Shirley  Pater   Shirley Chaussinand Pater, of Elizabeth Twp. died peacefully on March 7, 2010 at UPMC McKeesport Hospital at the age of 84, with her loving sister Hazel and her good friends Bernie and Rosemary Anchak at her side. Born January 25, 1926 in Lovedale, Elizabeth Twp., Shirley is survived by son Tom Pater (Dale Graham) of British Columbia, daughter Teri Pater (Jim Alton) of Bellingham, Washington, sister Hazel (Wayne) Cramer of Elizabeth, brother Richard (Shirley) Chaussinand of Monongahela, many nieces and nephews, and her many friends, including Joe and Darlene Harsh, and Jan and Karl Neander. Shirley was predeceased by her husband Carl, sister Emma Raftery, brothers Paul and Daniel, and parents Paul and Mary (Stirbis) Chaussinand. After graduation from Elizabeth High School, Shirley worked at The Famous department store in McKeesport, where she buddied with her future sister-in-law Jeanne Pater Snyder. She later was employed as a Bell Telephone operator. Shirley and Carl were married in 1947. As a wife and mother in Liberty Borough, she created a loving home for her family, and was active in the Christian Mothers at St Eugene’s. After Carl’s death, she moved to “the country” in Elizabeth Township where she created a beautiful formal flower garden and took great pleasure in bird-watching. At heart an artist, Shirley’s creativity extended from accomplished dressmaking to varied arts and crafts; most recently she made attractive greeting cards of dried flowers from her garden. For many years she volunteered in the kitchen for Meals on Wheels, and particularly enjoyed the warm friendship and euchre games at Local 3 Senior Citizens’ organization in Elizabeth. Special thanks go to the staff of UPMC McKeesport, Select Specialty, and Riverside, and to Dr M. Idrees, for the excellent care they provided to Shirley. Visits with family and friends will be at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, on Wednesday 6-8pm and Thursday 11am until the service at 1pm with Rev. Rudolph Smoley officiating. Burial to follow at Jefferson Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fallen Timber Animal Shelter, 1680 Fallen Timber Road, Elizabeth, PA 15037 or the Audubon Society of Western PA, 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home - Elizabeth Directions