Shirley J (Motsco) Tressler

Shirley J. Tressler (nee Motsco), 83, of Aurora, passed away on Friday June 20, 2025 at Independence Village of Aurora, Ohio after battling a long illness of breast cancer.

Born on November 9, 1941, and raised in Uniontown, PA she graduated from the Uniontown Hospital School of Nursing, Shirley embarked on a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse. She started her career in West Virginia and shortly moved to become a pediatric nurse at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. After having her first child, Shirley transitioned to specializing in rehabilitation and geriatric nursing and dedicated most of her professional life to the patients at Highland View and Metro General Hospitals, where her compassion and expertise were a source of comfort and healing.

In Cleveland, Shirley met the love of her life, George E. Tressler. Their shared journey led them to Aurora in 1969, where they raised their three children, Karen, Carol, and Michael. Shirley was always willing to volunteer to assist with her children’s activities from sewing dance recital costumes, leading BlueBirds and Girl Scout troops, serving as a band booster president to raise funds for band trips and new uniforms, and many others. Like her mother, Shirley was a strong believer in the right to vote and served as Republican Committee Chairperson for many years before retiring from service.

Following the sudden passing of her beloved husband, Shirley was widowed for 25 years, yet she continued to be a pillar of strength and resilience for her family. As a devoted mother and grandmother, Shirley found immense joy in supporting her children and grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent in their company. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Shirley's commitment to her community and continuous learning was unwavering. She was an avid crafter, who, according to her husband, never met a craft she didn’t like.

Throughout Shirley’s life she took classes to learn new skills such as cake decorating, home decorating, sewing, quilting, stained glass, bobbin lace making, painting, needlework and beading, among many others. Many family members cherish the hand crafted gifts that they received over the years. Before her diagnosis with cancer, Shirley was an enthusiastic participant in local activities and crafting guilds, such as a local pinochle card group, the Red Hat Society, and numerous painting, bobbin lace and stitching guilds. Her involvement in these organizations reflected her vibrant spirit and zest for life and nurturing her creative spirit.

While the last few years of her life were curtailed by her disease, she continued to pursue activities that she enjoyed, especially her needlework, spending time with family and close friends, and her faith. As we remember Shirley, we celebrate a life well-lived,

full of love and service. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit and the memories she created with her family and friends will remain in our hearts forever.

In addition to her parents, Antoinette L. Ritz and Edward J. Motsco, Sr., Shirley was preceded in death by her husband George Edward Tressler and her brother Nicholas Motsco. Survivors include her children Karen (Robert) Walter, Carol (Matthew) Huston, Michael (Cindy) Tressler, her grandchildren Kathryn Walter, Antoinette Walter, Emily Walter, Benjamin Huston, Jacqueline Huston, George Tressler III, Elinor Tressler, Ethan Tressler and brothers Edward J. (Lucretia) Motsco, Jr and Anthony (Joan) Motsco and many nieces and nephews. In honoring her wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memorial calling hours will be 10:00 AM Saturday July 12, 2025 with a mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Aurora, Ohio. Burial will follow in Aurora City Cemetery Aurora, Ohio. Please visit www.sscfuneralhomes.com to offer a condolence, share a memory or light a candle.