Shirley (Etzweiler) Fye

     Shirley Etzweiler Fye, daughter of George Etzweiler and the late Mary Richard Etzweiler, died at home on September 18, 2021, at the age of 71. Shirley was born in Lewistown, PA, August 5, 1950, and lived in State College, PA, at the time of her passing. She is survived by husband Ray Fye, father George Etzweiler, brothers Larry Etzweiler (Lawrenceville, NJ), Chuck Etzweiler and his wife Sharon (State College, PA), son Bob Etzweiler and his wife Natasha (Dummerston, VT), and daughter Rachael Fye and her husband Matt Stauffer and their son Kody (Great Falls, MT). She is also survived by brother-in-law Joe Fye and his wife Caroline (PA Furnace, PA), and nieces Jessica Namias, Alisha Etzweiler, Missy Sibel, Becky Fye-Nguyen, and several grand nieces and nephews. 

    Shirley graduated from Penn State University in 1978 and the Physician Assistant Program at Hershey Medical Center in 1980. She received her master’s degree in Primary Care from Alderson-Broaddus University in 2002. She was privileged to work with the Indian Health Service at Fort Peck; on the Sioux-Assiniboine Reservation in Poplar, MT; and on the Pine Ridge Reservation in Kyle, SD. She appreciated serving veterans at the State College Veterans Affairs, where she worked full time for over ten years. Most recently, she worked part time until the pandemic hit in March 2020. 

     Shirley enjoyed hiking in the White Mountains in New Hampshire, skiing, fishing, and photography. She especially enjoyed photographing bears in Katmai National Park, AK, making calendars of the photos, and giving them as gifts.  After retirement, Shirley became an avid quilter with the QBs, a quilting club. Shirley was a member of the University Baptist and Brethren Church, where she taught Sunday School for ten years and most recently was on the Board of Missions. 

    Near the end of her life, Shirley was incredibly grateful for the support of her friends, family, neighbors, church family, quilting club friends, and classmates from Physician Assistant school. 

    After a battle with pancreatic cancer, Shirley died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley’s name can be made to the University Baptist and Brethren Church in State College, PA. Arrangements are made by, Barrett Funeral Home, Northern Cambria.

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