Shirley J. Swigart

Shirley J. (Yoder) Swigart, 89, of Carlisle, PA, peacefully passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at her home surrounded by her children. She was born April 12, 1936, in Lewistown, PA, to the late Guy and Alice (Espigh) Yoder and was the widow of Donald W. Swigart who passed away in June of 2015.

Shirley was a graduate of Bratton McVeytown Oliver High School, class of 1954. She was the lead actress in many of the school’s theatrical productions. She excelled in school and played the saxophone/clarinet in district and regional bands.

Shirley married her high school sweetheart Donnie and together they had five children. While raising her family she worked at Daily Express for 27 years (plus part-time after retirement). Shirley was an avid golfer and loved playing cards with her daughters. She loved to travel with Don across the United States and Europe. Later, she made several trips to the Caribbean with her children and grandchildren. Shirley was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She adored spending time with family and was dedicated to her friends and church (Hickorytown United Methodist Church). She will be missed dearly.

Shirley is survived by her children, Donald G. Swigart of Newville, Lisa J. Pilsitz of Harrisburg, Lori Swigart-Leps of Carlisle, Robert D. Swigart of Carlisle and Lona K. Vinarski of Mechanicsburg, 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and her sister, Linda Lee Laub of Jersey Shore, PA. She is preceded in death by her husband (Donald W. Swigart), parents (Alice Elizabeth and Guy Yoder), and four siblings (Betty Mae Hartsock, Marjorie Louise Gill, Samuel Paul Yoder, and Eugene “Buddy” Yoder).

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. in Mt. Holly Springs. Visit HollingerFuneralHome.com to offer condolences to the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley’s honor may be sent to Hickorytown United Methodist Church located at 1510 W Trindle Road, PA 17015.