Shirley Ann Breitenbach

Shirley was born in Pittsburgh, PA, May 11, 1942, the daughter of the late Walter and Helen Galehan. She married the love of her life, her late husband Bill, and together they raised two sons and a daughter, Bill, Bryan, and Karen. She and Bill, moved from Sewickley, PA to Cary, NC in the late 80s where they lived for 30 years before relocating to Flemington, NJ, in 2020 to be closer to their family.

Shirley was a friend to everyone she met, and people were drawn to her kind spirit, smile, and infectious laugh. Even after multiple moves, Shirley nurtured friendships including from her childhood. She and Bill made lifelong friends through their church who she loved spending time with. Whether it was a cookout or a movie and lunch with the girls you could always find her laughing and having fun.

Shirley made a positive impact on many kids and their families during the almost 20 years operating an in-home day care business. The business also brought some of her best friends into her life.

Shirley and Bill loved staying active and sought out many adventures in their golden years. They always had fun together, whether they were on a river cruise in Europe, a trip to the Grand Canyon or Hawaii, cruises in Alaska and the Caribbean, parasailing in Hilton Head, SC, and hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting in the NC state parks and in the Appalachian Mountains.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, the late William E. Breitenbach, who died in 2023, as well as her son, Bryan Breitenbach, in 1997. Surviving are two children, William Breitenbach and his wife, Nancy of Flemington, NJ, and Karen Breitenbach of New Hope, PA and her three grandchildren Emma, Will, and Noah.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held in early September at a date and time to be announced.

Cremation services were held privately under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by clicking the link below.

For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.