Shirley Mae Guinta, age 90, suffered a stroke on Thanksgiving and passed away on December 15th, 2024, just two days after being released from the hospital. Strong will was an attribute that defined Shirley, and she willed herself to stay alive until she was by the side of her husband of 68 years, Robert Sr., when she passed.

Shirley is reunited in heaven with her first-born child, Robert Guinta, Jr., who sadly predeceased her, in 1997, in her first full year of retirement, after working and essentially supporting herself since the age of 14 -- her brother died of leukemia at the age of two and both of her parents died in their thirties, leaving Shirley and her now deceased younger sister to care for themselves. This is what made her such a strong, independent woman!

Shirley Mae Grim was born on May 5, 1934, in Dayton, OH, where she lived her youth and attended Julienne Catholic High School from K-12 and graduated in 1952. She then attended Marietta College, and as fate would have it, she met Robert, her college sweetheart and the love of her life!

At Marietta College, Shirley was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, President of Intaglio Women's Leadership Honorary, an officer in Pi Delta Epsilon Journalism Honorary and Philomathean Literary Society. She was also Kappa Sweetheart of Lambda Chi Fraternity (Robert's fraternity).

Shirley graduated with a degree in English in June 1956 and committed to Robert, in marriage, that same month. They gave birth to their first child, Robert Jr., in 1958. Shirley worked hard to balance her home life, as a wife and mother, with her career as a journalist for the Marietta Times, while Robert completed college.

Shirley and Robert relocated to Wapakoneta, OH, where Shirley gave birth to her only daughter, Tracie, in 1960, and her middle son, Kyle, in 1962. They moved again to Celina, OH, but finally landed in Elyria, OH, in 1966, where they called home and gave birth to their fourth and final child, David.

In Elyria, Shirley received her teaching credentials at Baldwin-Wallaceand became an educator, teaching English at Northwood Junior H.S. (18 years), Elyria High School (4 years) and Elyria CatholicH.S. (2 years).Her passion for literature and learning left a lasting impact on her students, many of whom remember her as the teacher who sparked their love of reading and writing.

Beyond the classroom, Shirley dedicated herself to local politics. She was elected and served as Council-at-Large on Elyria City Council for seven consecutive terms (1981 – 1995). During this tenure she was nominated and acted as Council President (1992 - 1995); Chairman, Finance & Strategic Planning Committee;and Chairman, Safety & Rules Committee. She was named Democratic Woman of the Year in 1985.

Shirley was a loyal person and woman of her word, especially to her husband. In her final years of life, Robert's mental health began to rapidly decline, and he should have been placed in a memory care facility, but Shirley refused to live apart from him. She promised Robert that she'd never leave his side, just as she vowed in sickness or in health to stay true to him 68 years prior, in matrimony. As the strong willed, loving and loyal wife that she was, Shirley kept her word and took her final breaths by his side. She sacrificed her own longevity to protect and care for her soulmate!

Shirley was also an avid reader – she loved reading the daily newspaper in the morning and always had a book in her hand in the evenings. She was so well-read and knowledgeable about world affairs, politics and much more. She could talk politics with the best of them and carry on an intelligent conversation with anyone, about anything. Shirley also loved lounging by the pool with family and gardening in the summer. She loved flowers, the ocean and all of nature's beauty.

Above all, Shirley loved her family! Family was the core to her being!  She was an amazing mother and grandmother, with a HUGE HEART! She loved and cherished her children and grandchildren, unconditionally. The reciprocal love for Shirley by her kids and grandkids is a testimony of her love.

She made a difference in the world -- in the lives of her family, friends, students, colleagues and community. Shirley's life mattered, and her absence will be heartfelt forever! Rest in peace, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and teacher!

Shirley is survived by her loving family: husband, Robert Sr.; children: Tracie Roberson, Kyle Giunta (Amy) and David Giunta (Beth); grandchildren: Kayla Wilson (Chris), Nick Giunta (Lauren),Hannah Conley (Brad), Sarah Roberson, Emily Roberson, Dylan Giunta, Kiana Giunta, Kamryn Giunta and Micah Giunta: and great grandchildren: Anson Giunta (Nick) and William Wilson (Kayla).

A celebration of life for Shirley will be held at Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home, located at 38475 Chestnut Ridge Road, Elyria, OH on Sunday, December 29, 2024 between the hours of 1:00pm and 5pm, where friends and family are invited to gather and honor in her memory. Mass will be held at St. Jude Church 509 Poplar St., Elyria, OH at 10:30am on Monday, December 30, 2024. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Elyria, OH. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com.