Shirley A. Marsella

Shirley Ann Marsella, 83, of Indianapolis, IN passed away on May 10, 2023.

Shirley was born on February 16, 1940 in Indianapolis, IN to Alvin and Mary Hampston Golay. She was their second child but 20 years junior to her brother Ronald. She was a blessing to Mary as the two lost both Alvin and Ronald in 1945 when she was only 5. Raised as a devout Catholic, Shirley was a member of the first four-year class to graduate from Scecina Memorial High School in 1957 where she met some of her closest lifelong friends.

After a short stent at Indiana University, Shirley returned to Indianapolis to work as a secretary.  On a fateful St. Patrick’s night in 1964 Shirley met her soul mate, Jack, who won her over with his wit and charm.  They married in 1965 and enjoyed a wonderful 58 years of marriage.  Keeping with her Catholic upbringing, Shirley was one of the original parishioners of St Pius X Catholic Church since it’s founding in 1967 where she remained her entire life.

Shirley was a homemaker and mother of 3 sons who was actively involved in various school boards when she wasn’t busy following her kids’ sporting activities. In her early 40’s she picked up the game of tennis and it became a lifelong passion to play and watch. When her kids weren’t on the field or court, she loved watching IU basketball, the NFL and of course tennis.

Shirley was a caring mother and doting grandmother to her 11 grandchildren. After raising three of her own, her next greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, going to their games and spoiling them on holidays. As the grandchildren grew into young adults, some of her greatest memories will be from the family dinners at Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving watching the generational effect of her love and kindness permeate the extended family.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband Jack, their three sons Dave (Patti) Marsella, Jeff Marsella and Mike (Kristi) Marsella and 11 beautiful grandchildren: Nick, Delaney, Kelly, John, Danielle, Joey, Ryan, Emma, Ellie, Jack and Lexi. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Mary and her brother Ronald.

A visitation for Shirley will be held Friday, May 19, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7200 Sarto Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or online at www.alz.org.