Shirley Ann (Traxler) Pappa

Shirley A. (Traxler) Pappa (92) passed away on September 7, 2023. She was born January 26, 1931 in Avon Lake, OH to the late Albert and Lucille (Nahm) Traxler. Shirley graduated valedictorian of Avon Lake High School in 1949. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Administration (cum laude) from The Ohio State University, with membership in Alpha Kappa Delta, Alpha Sigma sorority and Zeta Chi society. A winner of multiple scholastic scholarships, Shirley was a loyal alumni supporter of OSU as well as an avid Buckeye fan her entire life. She did her best to improve her own corner of the world as a social worker in downtown Cleveland. She married Steven in 1954 and they raised their 4 boys in the Cleveland area. She returned to college, with her husband's unwavering support, and earned a Masters of Library Science from Case Western Reserve University in 1970. She became the District Library Coordinator at the Brecksville-Broadview Heights School system as part of a 30+ year career in library science, where she initiated computerization of circulation, taught media and instilled a love of books and information as part of education to all of her students and her children. Shirley was a devout Catholic who instilled her love for Jesus Christ in her children. Her faith was strong and undeterred through her last days of life. As the youngest sibling of her family she always possessed strong fondness and watchful protectiveness for all of her nieces, nephews and friends. Beloved matriarch of her family, she also enjoyed dominos, gardening, and Florida beach time. She honed her considerable artistic talents through a myriad of paintings, ceramics, and other artwork in her own arts and crafts business. Shirley was famous among friends and family for her chocolate chip cookies, cheesy potatoes and coffee cakes. She showered her grandchildren with every Little Tikes toys and Beanie baby animal imagined. She is survived by her beloved and devoted husband of over 68 years, Steven, and 4 sons Dr. Karl Pappa (Michelle-deceased) of Columbus, OH, Dr. Keith Pappa (Corlis) of Cary, NC, Darrell Pappa (Dr.Teresa) of Columbus, OH, and David Pappa (Stephanie) of Fishers, IN - all four sons with degrees from their mother’s beloved alma mater, The Ohio State University. Shirley is also survived by 13 grandchildren Dr.Christopher (Laura), Dr. Rachael (Dr. Matthew), Dr. Nicholas, Dr. Andrew (Heather), Otto, Emily, Dr. Katherine (Thomas), Darrell Steven (Emily), Dr.Claire (Afif), Michael, Colin, Connor, and Cole and 6 great grandchildren (Cameron, Madelyn, Hudson, Camden, Clark, Darrell Grant). In addition to her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by sisters; Mary Lou and Eileen, and brothers, Albert, Eugene, and Norbert in addition to daughter-in-law, Michelle, and grandchildren, Joseph and Mary. Friends and family may call on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 4-7pm at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home (4661 Kenny Road Columbus, OH). A funeral mass will be held at St Andrew Catholic ‘Church (1899 McCoy Rd Columbus, OH) at 10:30 Saturday, September 16 with burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Lewis Center, OH. Those wishing to contribute to Shirley’s memory in lieu of flowers may contribute to any of the following: Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Avon, OH St. Andrew Catholic Church in Columbus, OH, St. Andrew’s Abbey in Cleveland, OH, St Vincent DePaul Society in Columbus OH Monastery of Poor Clares, 3501 Rocky River Dr. Cleveland, OH 44111.

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