Mary Catherine Shal

On the early morning of September 7, 2022, Mary Catherine Shal “Spitzie” of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania passed away in Virginia Beach, Virginia at the age of 81. Mary was born to Charles and Catherin Karfelt on September 15th, 1940. She received her bachelor’s degree in 1962 from the California State College of Pennsylvania. Mary was a dedicated elementary school teacher for 34 years at University Park Elementary and Pitcairn Elementary. She committed her time and energy to enrich and motivating all of her students.  She was a creative soul and loved making crafts and wreaths for loved ones, she was an avid bingo player and always up for retail therapy. She was married to the late Frank Arthur Shal “Art” from Connellsville, PA, and was a devoted mother in raising a wonderful child, Audra. She is survived by her sister Joanne Shupe, brother Robert Karfelt Sr. and sister Phyllis Kluska. Also, she is survived by her daughter Audra Shal Rodriguez and son-in-law Elias Rodriguez of Moyock, North Carolina. She is also survived by her granddaughters Alexa and Ashley. Even though she could not speak after her stroke in 2006, she adored her family and grandchildren looking forward to watching them grow into successful young ladies. Although her health declined after her stroke, she would always let her loved ones know that she still loved them. On game day you could find her with her Steelers gear on ready to cheer on her team. Her light was a bright shining star, and she will be greatly missed. May she be up in heaven talking God’s ear off.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9am to 10:00 am on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at SALOOM-REGA FUNERAL SERVICE 730 W. MAIN STREET MT. PLEASANT where parting prayers will be held at 10:00am followed by a funeral mass at 10:30am in St. Pius X Catholic Church, Mt. Pleasant.  Interment will follow in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.  Please visit Mary's online memorial at www.saloom.com to sign the condolence guestbook.  Richard Rega, funeral director.