Shirley A. (Scalercio) Benedict

Shirley (Scalercio) Benedict, 73, of Sewickley, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Born on August 27, 1952, in Sewickley, she was the daughter of the late Leo Scalercio and the late Alice (Ferraro) Scalercio.

Shirley was known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to others. Whether caring for family, encouraging a student, or simply being there for a friend, she had a remarkable ability to make people feel valued, supported, and loved.

Shirley devoted more than four decades of her life to educating and inspiring others. She spent the majority of her career with the Quaker Valley School District, where she taught students with learning disabilities before later teaching elementary students at Edgeworth Elementary School. Following her retirement from Quaker Valley in 2011, she continued sharing her passion for education by mentoring future teachers through Robert Morris University.

The impact Shirley made as an educator extended far beyond the classroom. Former students returned years later to visit, write letters, and thank her for the kindness, encouragement, and confidence she had given them, often telling her how deeply she had influenced their lives.

Beyond her career, Shirley was a devoted and loving mother. Through quiet sacrifice, resourcefulness, and unwavering support, she created a home where her family never wanted for anything. No matter the circumstance, she was always there with encouragement, comfort, a listening ear, and unconditional love.

Birthdays and holidays were never allowed to pass unnoticed. Shirley remembered the people she loved with gifts, handmade jewelry, cards, care packages, and small traditions that continued year after year. As time passed, she never stopped finding ways to make those occasions feel special. Her kindness and selflessness were matched by a playful, often goofy sense of humor that was unmistakably hers.

She also found great joy in reading, movies, coffee, sweets, and time spent with family and friends. An avid reader and member of several book clubs, Shirley was rarely far from a good book. She had an undeniable sweet tooth, enjoyed creating specialty decaffeinated coffee drinks, and made handmade jewelry as gifts for those she loved. She also treasured the many family vacations taken throughout the Caribbean and beyond. A lifelong dog lover, she shared a particularly close bond with her beloved Grady.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University and was a graduate of Quaker Valley High School. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

In addition to her parents and sister-in-law, Mary Scalercio, Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved son, Justin Benedict, whom she held close to her heart every day.

She is survived by her son, Chris Benedict; her brothers, Dr. Anthony Scalercio and his wife, Joyce, and Leo Scalercio Jr.; her nieces and nephews, Drew Scalercio, Alaina (Scalercio) Kutcher and her husband, Jason, Marissa Scalercio, and Hope Scalercio; her great-niece and great-nephew, Grey Kutcher and Emilia Kutcher; her beloved dog, Grady; and many extended family members, dear friends, former colleagues, and countless students whose lives she touched.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, at R.D. Copeland Ltd., Irvine Chapel, Sewickley. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:20 a.m. on Saturday at St. James Church, Divine Redeemer Parish, Sewickley.

Shirley lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to others. She made people feel remembered, cared for, and important, not only in life's biggest moments but in the ordinary ones as well. Through her family, friendships, students, colleagues, and the many traditions and relationships she nurtured, the love she gave will continue to be felt by all who knew her.

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