Shirley Anne Popich Herlihy

Shirley Anne Popich Herlihy, 91, of Erie, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 14, 2026. She was born October 13, 1934 to William T. and Mary Popich in Muse, PA. One of five children, she is survived by siblings, Diane Polinski (Frank), Eileen Popich and Michael Popich (Beth). She is predeceased by her brother William F. Popich.

She was married to William (Bill) T. Herlihy of Erie, PA and together they had twelve children between two families. Shirley is survived by her Senko children Marianne Segool, John A. Senko, Daniel W. Senko (Lynne), and Andrew A. Senko (Lacey) and grandchildren David S. Senko (Katie), Dana L. Tye (David), Crystal Senko (Rajibul Islam), Sean Senko, Richard Senko, and Ruby Z. Senko as well as 4 great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jack, Lucas and Jacob. She is predeceased by her son Paul C. Senko.

Shirley is survived by stepdaughters Ellen (Eddie) Ball, Lisa (Jamie) Johnson and stepsons Bill (Gloria) Herlihy and Michael Herlihy. She is predeceased by stepson Thomas, stepdaughters Kathy (John) Bowers and Barbara (William Burdick); and stepfamily members Ericka (Dave) Westerman, Jesse (Katie) Burdick, Rachel Cloninger, Robert (Dana) Driscol, Chrissy (Pete) Overcash, Jessica (Daniel) Naranjo, Bridget (Hunter) Truitt, Brennan, Mason and Cody Herlihy, in addition to ten great stepgrandchildren.

Shirley was an excellent student and was the valedictorian of her class at Cecil High School. She was the first member of her family to attend and graduate from college. She graduated from Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University) with a B.A. in Chemistry. She earned her Masters degree in Education and through her continuing education, had made substantial progress on a doctorate in education at the University of Pittsburgh.

Shirley was best known as a passionate teacher of Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry at Chartiers Valley High School. She taught a variety of classes including Biology, Physical Science and courses in Mathematics in addition to AP Chemistry. She was especially proud of her AP students entering college with science credits from preparation in her classes.

Shirley was very involved in music and music was her first love. She started piano at a young age which led to her being the church organist for multiple parishes over many years including Holy Rosary Catholic church in Muse and later, St. Agatha’s of Bridgeville. She also was the cantor, singing lead vocals for many Catholic Masses.

Shirl and Bill enjoyed taking vacations, including with their children and grandchildren. They would go yearly to Ocean City, MD. In other years, they traveled to Cancun, Mexico for a respite from the Pittsburgh winters.

Shirley’s fondest activity was sharing the lives of her children and grandchildren. She also loved attending Cecil High class reunions, dancing Slovenian polkas, and meeting her students after they graduated.

The Senko family cannot express in words their appreciation for the care provided by the staff in the Memory Care Unit at Springhill over the years. They were not just excellent care givers but friends that showed great affection for Shirley.

Friends and family are welcome from 5-8 pm, Thursday, June 18th, at Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, where departing prayers will be recited at 10:15 am Friday, June 19th. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 am in Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 46 Muse-Bishop Rd, Muse, PA. Interment will follow within the Chapel at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 2900 Washington Rd., Peters Township, McMurray, PA. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

Shirley frequently attended polka dances at the Sygan SNPJ Lodge 6 Hall, in Bridgeville, PA. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Shirley’s name to the Slovenian National Benefit Society’s [SNPJ] Recreation Center Cabin Renovation using this form: https://www.snpjrec.com/app/uploads/2019/12/cabin_donations.pdf