Shirley S. Gruzewski

Shirley Sophie Gruzewski (Grove) of Robinson Township, PA (formerly of Brookline and Lawrenceville), passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the age of 99. Beloved wife of the late Casimir (“Charles”) Gruzewski, a World War II veteran, to whom she was married for 53 years. Survived by daughter, Susan (the late Allen) Smith, whom she adored; two granddaughters, Savannah (Erik) Croushore and Lisa (Gary) Poppelreiter; one grandson, Daniel Smith; three great-grandsons, Thomas Croushore, Tyler Croushore, and Gary Poppelreiter, Jr.; and two great-granddaughters, Casey Poppelreiter and Tori Croushore. Her great-grandchildren were the “apple of her eye”. Also, two brothers, the late George (Cathy) Hanes and Chet (Peggy) Hejnosz. And four Godchildren, Valerie Domencic, Nora Ann Haley, Vincent Dube, and Vivian Monroe; many nieces and nephews.

Shirley graduated from Peabody High School in 1942 with Highest Honors. She was offered a scholarship to Seton Hill College. She was employed in her younger years by Mine Safety Appliance Co. and Bacharach Industrial Instruments Co. For many years, Shirley made thousands of delicious perogies for Polish Day at Kennywood Park. She was Recording Secretary of the Central Council of Polish Organizations (CCPO) and a lifelong member of the Polish National Alliance (PNA). She and her husband dedicated their lives to supporting Polish causes.

Shirley was an avid reader, full of curiosity and wonder. Her favorite word was “Imagine”. She was also an excellent writer. Her letters were legendary; those who were fortunate enough to receive one – even a thank you note – treasured it as a literary work of art! Shirley was a fashionista in her time, always sporting the latest in clothing, jewelry, and hairstyle. She loved to dance to any music with a fast beat, especially the jitterbug and the polka! Shirley credited her long life to the three “P”s: Prayer, Perogies, and Polkas!

Shirley was an angel here on earth; she loved people and was so kind and sweet to everyone she met. Her late parents, Anna Skocz Hejnosz and Jacob Hejnosz, will be waiting with joy to greet her at the gates of heaven. May God Bless the soul of this good, gentle, and gracious person and grant her the reward of heavenly peace.

Friends are welcome on Monday, Feb. 26, from 1-3 and 6-8 pm at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, 5405 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks, PA 15136. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at the Holy Trinity Church of Archangel Gabriel Parish, 5718 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks, PA 15136. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Moon Township.