Shirley Deren

Shirley, born on a farm in Bellefonte, PA, went peacefully to our heavenly Father on December 14th, held gently by her loving family. Her dedication as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother lives on in the beauty of the lives she touched.

Shirley was every kid’s favorite lunch lady, providing nearly 20 years of kindness to the children of Governor Mifflin Intermediate School. Her own childhood hardships led her to help any child who needed kindness, from coins to pay for lunch, peeling a frustrating orange, or simply an unconditional hug to assure them that they are valued.

She met her husband, Ed Deren, who she was married to for 62 years, first as the boy next door and later married. She was most proud of her family, their accomplishments and the impact they have on others which is a reflection of her steadfast inspiration. Shirley instilled a can-do positive attitude and before every practice or game she always reminded her children and grandchildren to “have fun”. Along with Ed, her husband, she was very active in the community supporting school sports teams, she was the founding member and secretary for the Governor Mifflin Parent Aquatic Club. She enjoyed keeping score for the swim meets for both Governor Mifflin and Shillington Park swim teams and formed lifelong friendships that were precious to her.

Shirley’s bond with her “Card Club Girls” spanned six decades and included not only card games, but trips to Broadway shows, casinos and dinners. The family and friend vacations to Lewes Beach, Outer Banks and Cape May were a yearly highlight where she always managed to make sure everyone was well taken care of - from meals to sunscreen to an always made bed. She also was a gifted dried flower designer and enjoyed decorating their home and making special gifts for friends

Shirley's life will go on through her loving husband, Ed and their 5 children, Donnie, Kathy, Ann, Eddie and Jim, Grammy and great grandmother to Jim, Stevie, Johnnie, Darby, Haden, Hudson, Thomas, Meghan, Kaleb, Isabella, Kayla, Allison, Lindsay and sister to Linda, Ada Mae, Elizabeth and Hazel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint John Baptist de la Salle Roman Catholic Church, 42 Kerrick Rd, Shillington, Monday, December 20, 2021, at 10:00 am.  Reverend Edward J. Essig, Celebrant.  Interment will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery.  The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Home, 129 East Lancaster Ave. Shillington, Sunday, December 19, 2021, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you support Shirley’s love for swimming by making a donation to the Deren Scholar Athlete Scholarship Fund, which is maintained and administered by the Berks County Aquatic Hall of Fame, a 501(c) (3) organization. Please send donations to Don Moll, 306 Wellington Ave, West Lawn, PA 19609.  Please make checks payable to BCAHOF. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com