Shirley Y. (Youtz) Redfern

Shirley Youtz Redfern, 92, of Wallingford, PA (formerly of Springfield) passed peacefully on March 31, 2024, in the company of her family. The devoted daughter of the late Robert N. Youtz and Anna C. Sweigart Youtz, she was born on July 15, 1931 in Lancaster, PA.

After living in Lancaster County in the early 1930s, her family moved to Catonsville, MD, where she graduated from Catonsville High School in 1948. She and her family returned regularly to Lancaster County where they spent many happy times with their large extended family. The annual Youtz family reunion became a cherished tradition that brought multiple generations together for delicious “Pennsylvania Dutch” food and lively conversation.

Shirley attended Shippensburg State Teachers College, graduating in 1952 with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. She served as class secretary for three years and enjoyed playing and teaching bridge. While at Shippensburg, she met her future husband, the late William J. Redfern (Bill). They enjoyed going to the movies and sharing ham salad sandwiches. Shirley and Bill were happily married for 67 years until Bill’s passing in 2019.  

Following college, Shirley taught second grade for one year at Kedron Elementary School and was an elementary school substitute teacher for 16 years in the Ridley School District.

A loving mother, grandmother, and sister, Shirley is survived by her three children, Michael Redfern (Gina O’Connell), Mark Redfern (Alicia Drnek), and Carol Jacobs (Peter); four grandchildren, Eric Jacobs, Andrea Jacobs (Spenser Jenkins), Cameron Redfern (Elizabeth Wardach), and Madeline Redfern; a sister, Bobbe C. Coqueron (Charles) and a brother, Ronald M. Youtz.

Shirley will be remembered most for her dedication to her family. As the ultimate caregiver, she always made sure everyone had just what they liked and all that they needed. She cherished family gatherings and vacations in Ocean City, NJ, which included the families of her sister and brother, with whom she shared a close bond. She and Bill enjoyed playing cards with friends and, most especially, spending time with their grandchildren.

Services are Private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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