Shirley J. Westcott

Shirley J. Westcott, age 91, of Lawrence Park, passed away peacefully in the home of her daughter on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Lawrence Park on October 12, 1926, daughter of the late James and Ruth Harris Dalglish.

Shirley was a graduate and valedictorian of the Lawrence Park High School Class of 1944. Her keen passion for languages, reading, and the arts then took her to Grove City College where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1948 and became certified to teach French, English, Spanish and History.

Upon graduation from Grove City, she took a job as copywriter for the former Trask's Department Store in Erie, was married to David R. Westcott, and started a family.

Shirley found her true passion in life when she began her teaching career at Lawrence Park High School in 1963 as a French teacher. When the Lawrence Park and Wesleyville communities merged to form the Iroquois School District in 1966, she went on to become a much-loved and well-respected teacher of French and English as well as a mentor to her peers and students. She was honored in 2016 to be inducted into the Legends of Iroquois Academic Hall of Fame. Throughout her teaching career, which she joyfully referred to as "the gig of a lifetime," she advised many student groups, coached the Speech and Debate team as well as the Academic Challenge team, ran the clock at the home basketball games, and even enjoyed a stint as a girls' basketball coach.

Her retirement in 1991 afforded her the time to travel, attend Elderhostels, and become active in several organizations. She was the Public Policy chair for the Erie Branch of the American Association of University Women in 1993 and 94, she led book groups, and she was an active volunteer at St. Paul's Food Pantry. Most of all, she indulged her passion for reading, learning, and music. She subscribed annually to the Erie Philharmonic Symphonic Concert Series. In that respect, her life was like a well-loved symphony to be played over again and again in the memories of those who love her.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, David R. Westcott; a granddaughter, Adrianne Cipriani; and her brother, Robert Dalglish. She is survived by her six children, Nora Westcott-Trench (Stuart), Molly Cipriani (Carl), David Westcott (Robin), Janet Laboda (Pete), James Westcott and Michael Westcott (Janet); 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, two great, great-grandchildren, one niece and two nephews. We would be remiss if we did not mention her dear friends, Marjorie McLean and Marg Atkin, who survive her as well.

Friends may call at the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 5151 Buffalo Road (at Hannon Rd. in Harborcreek Twp.) on Monday from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 9 pm and are invited to attend a Funeral Service at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul, 134 West 7th Street, on Tuesday at 11 am conducted by the Very Rev. John P. Downey. Memorials may be made to the Cathedral of St. Paul Food Pantry, 134 W 7th St, Erie, PA 16501 or to the Haven Fund at Brevillier Village, 5416 East Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511, where she lived and received loving care for the last year of her life.