Janet E. Shorts Parsley, age 49, resident of Townville, PA, went to meet Jesus and to be reunited with her parents on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 surrounded by her family and the incredibly caring hands of Saint Vincent Health Center, Erie.
Born on October 5, 1963 in Meadville, PA, Janet was the daughter of the late William J. Shorts and Donna M. Burge Shorts. On November 1, 2008 she married Roger A. Parsley and he survives.
A 1982 graduate of Maplewood High School, Janet was very involved in the choir and received the National Choral Award in her senior year of high school. She enjoyed playing games (especially Yahtzee) with her daughter, Laurie, and loved to sing with her as well. She absolutely loved to cook and she worked as a cook at Ponderosa, Long John Silvers, and most recently at Wesbury United Methodist Community, Meadville. When she was younger, Janet also worked as a bartender at Butch’s Pub, Townville where she played on the men’s pool team.
Janet was a member of Blooming Valley United Methodist Church and was active there singing in their Praise Team which she loved very much. Her favorite animal was a dolphin and she acquired an impressive collection of knick-knacks. Janet was very proud of her daughter and taught her how to love, care, and be compassionate for other people.
In addition to her husband – Roger, survivors include a daughter – Laurie Mae Shorts of Townville; a sister – Debra Thomas and her husband, Randy of Saegertown; two brothers – William (Rick) Shorts and his wife, Arlene of Townville and Ronald Shorts and his wife, Nancy of Eastlake, Ohio; Rick and Ron’s mother – Bonnie Shorts Waid and her husband, David of Townville; and an uncle – Russell Burge and his wife, Judith of Cambridge Springs. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, cousins, all of her “band kids”, and two very best friends – Lori Copeland and Linda Seeley.
Janet is preceded in death by her father – William Jefferson Shorts; her mother – Donna Mae Burge Shorts; and an infant brother – Thomas Jefferson Shorts. Included are her maternal and paternal grandparents and also a special friend – Audrey Shoemaker, who was her manager at Wesbury.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services will be held at the Blooming Valley United Methodist Church on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Beverly Spore, pastor of the Church officiating. Interment will follow at Blooming Valley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the family in care of the Funeral Home.
i remember when my aunt janet would play ball with laurie and i when she was babysitting me. I will miss her so much
Janet was a wonderful woman. I have some wonderful memories of her growing up. I’ve alwys considered her my Aunt. I was very sadden by the news of her passing. It has been a long time since I have been able to see her and I’m very thankful for facebook allowing us to stay in touch. Laurie, You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest in Peace Aunt Janet… Fly high Beautiful Angel
Laurie, although I didn’t meet your mother under the best of circumstances we became friends. She always contacted me through facebook to see if I was doing ok. She truly cared about me and made sure I was doing alright. We shared the same experiences and she helped me through it. She always asked about Lily and in every talk we had and she mentioned you and how she was very proud to have such an exceptional daughter. It is rare to meet someone like your mother. You are blessed to of had her for a mother.
Trudy
Laurie,
Your mother was an amazing woman and I am glad I got to share so many memories with you both and I will forever cherish them. All those softball games she cheered us on at, the birthday parties we both had, and all the holiday gatherings will never be forgotten. She is no longer in pain or suffering, and she will always be looking down on you. She was very blessed to have you as a daughter and you have made her so proud by growing into a strong, independent, and intelligent young woman. We will never forget her and she will always hold a place in everyone’s heart. You are in my prayers and I will always be there for you when you need me.
-Olivia
My heart hurts for the loss of Janet. We go way back and I have such wonderful memories of all the great times we had out in Rockdale. Janet was loved by my family and shared in many family picnics & family parties. I know shes an angel watching over everyone. Im so glad I got to knoe Janet and will cherish all the times we spent. My heart goes out to her family. May the besutiful memories help her family & friends heal during this difficult times. Beth (Farrell) Lawrence
Truly an Angel among us. Rest in peace. Love, Wade and Kim
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you
Dear Laura,
I am thinking about you and praying for you during this terribly sad time. Your mother can never be replaced, but you have lots of loving family here waiting to give you a hug when you return to NDC.
Love,
Dr. K
Thank you, everyone for all your memories, condolences, and kind words toward my mother. She loved all the people in her life very much and truly cared about them. God Bless with much love,
Laurie Mae Shorts
I am sorry for your loss she was a very nice lady and hepled others alot she will be missed .
Although I did not know Janet, I do know her beautiful daughter Laurie. Having read Janet’s obituary, I can see how so many of Janet’s wonderful qualities are reflected in Laurie, a compassionate young woman who is so very gifted in music.
May Janet rest in God’s eternal peace and know the fullness of His love for her.
Sr. Mary Karita Ivancic, SND
Choral Director, Notre Dame College
Lori: I am so sorry for your loss. Knowing you makes me feel that I know your Mom and the spirited Shorts clan. What a great foundation and legacy she has provided you. Love is eternal and your Mom as an Angel will continue to be with you. I will continue to pray for your health and strength — Dr. Ferguson
SORRY FOR THE LOSS SHE WAS A GREAT PERSON I NOW HER FROM THE CB RADIO AND LJS AND MY COUSIN BRIAN ONGLEY I WILL MISS HER TOO I WISH YOU THE BEST IN EVERYTHING YOU DO SHE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE. IF YOU NEED A FRIEND IM HERE KEEP MY E-MAIL maddendebbie@hotmail.com and again im sorry for the loss wish i could be there
love always debbie madden
meadville pa 16335
I pray for strength for you in the coming days. I know God is with you. I’m sorry about Janet. She will really be missed.
Many prayers for you and your Mom, Laurie. May our good God welcome Janet into His eternal peace.
Laurie,
So sorry for your loss. I hope u have lots of wonderful memories with your mom. Be strong & persevere. Connie