Shirley J. Catanzarite

Shirley J. Catanzarite, 86, of Mishawaka, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Healthwin, South Bend.

Shirley was born July 31, 1933 in Leedy, Oklahoma, a daughter of the late Clarence and Eva (Haynes) Yarbrough. She grew up in Oklahoma. Following graduation from high school, she moved to Amarillo, Texas, where she worked on the Amarillo Air Force Base and where she met the love of her life, Tony Catanzarite, who was serving in the Air Force. They were married in 1956 and returned to Mishawaka in 1957. After 17 years, they divorced but remained friends until his death in 1976.

Over the years she was employed with I&M Electric Company, Blackburn Collection Agency, The Original Pancake and Chicken House and Papa Joe’s. At one time they owned the Frost Top Root Beer Stand in Mishawaka.

Shirley was a Daughter of the Diloreto Society.

Shirley spent her time between Mishawaka and Amarillo with her family and here parents in Texas. She returned in 1998 when she retired. Her favorite past-time was playing cards with family and friends.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Diane (Bob) Kamerer; four grandchildren, Brent (Melanie) Hernandez, Carly Hernandez, Sean (Lonna) Hernandez and Corbin Yarbrough; four great grandchildren, Brynna, Braeden, Mateo and Colden Hernandez;  her sister, Thelma Lou Willis; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and her Best Friend Forever, Sharon Gordon.

Shirley was preceded in death by a son, Tony Catanzarite; and a daughter, Kandye Yarbrough.

Diane would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Healthwin and Heart to Heart Hospice for the excellent care of Shirley. A special thanks to my husband, Bob, and sister-in-law, Pam Treber, who for five years helped me care for my mom daily at her home and Brooke White, her at home physical therapist.

A gathering to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 pm on Saturday, February 15, at the Diloreto Society (upstairs), 914 Division Street, Mishawaka.

Memorials are suggested to Heart to Heart Hospice, 620 W. Edison Road #122, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Arrangements are under the care of Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, Mishawaka.