Shelley Ann Thokar
September 24, 1957 - February 18, 2021
Visitation: Sunday, February 21, 2021, 1-5 pm; Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry
Shelley Ann Thokar
Age 63, of Cranberry Twp., passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at her home, surrounded by her loved ones. Shelley was born September 24, 1957, daughter of Walter Nicholas and Derethea (Brennan) Hoban. Beloved wife of Eric P. Thokar, whom she married on September 1, 1979; loving mother of Ian (Gina), Rachel (Dr. Stephen) Predebon, and Chelsea Thokar; dear Nana to Evan and Eloise; sister Kimberly (Kevin) Cope, Nicholas (JoLynn) Hoban, Jacqueline (David) Puzzuoli, and Dr. Timothy (Linda) Hoban, and daughter-in-law to Alberta Thokar of Florence SC. She was preceded in death by her beloved nephew Dillon Cope, and father-in-law Henry Thokar.
Shelley was a kind, animated, and Godly woman who lived life to the fullest. She spent most of her time with her close-knit family. She also enjoyed working as an operating room nurse for 40 years, and had many close friends from UPMC Presbyterian and the Pittsburgh Veterans Hospital. Shelley was an operating room nurse at heart and truly loved her job, so much so that she went on to accomplish a Masters Degree in Nursing Education. She loved long walks in parks, on the beach, or even just through her neighborhood. Shelley made friends with any and everyone and was always a vibrant presence in any room. She was never afraid to testify to her strong faith in her Lord and Savior, or entertain people with her animated stories. She had an energy that spread to everyone and always made them laugh. She never let her illness stop her from being where she was needed.
Her courage and faithfulness in the face of illness was an extraordinary witness of her dedication to Christ.
She spent her last few years between treatments traveling with her best friend, encourager, and husband Eric. She delighted in seeing her youngest child Chelsea graduate from college and begin her career. Another great joy of hers was attending the weddings of her son Ian and daughter Rachel. Shelley was an amazing Nana to her grandchildren Evan and Eloise and will continue to be an important presence throughout their lives.
She will be greatly missed until we meet her again in Heaven.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday from 1-5 pm, at Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry, 2678 Rochester Road, Cranberry Twp. A Celebration of Life will be privately held, officiated by Pastor Bob Zonts of Grace Community Church. Private interment will be at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Zelienople.
In lieu if flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Shelley’s name to, Samaritans Purse International Relief
Send Flowers Shop Gifts Print Obituary Share Obituary
Please accept our sincere sympathy. We have moved out of Cranberry and just learned of her passing. I remember she always had a smile and seeing her walk throughout the neighborhood. Ian we know how much you loved your Mom and we want you to know we are praying for you and your family.
Eric,
Please accept my sincere condolences with the passing of Shelley. She was such a Beautiful Soul. Always smiling and a big hug whenever I saw her. She’ll be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. May she Rest In Peace!
I’m so sad to hear of Shelley’s passing. I remember her as kind, vibrant and full of joy. May happy memories and God’s peace fill the hearts and minds of her family.
Derethea, Kim, Nick, Jackie and Tim,
Had Mass Thursday at KCHS and Sister Margaret and I prayed for you and Shelley and your family with the students and some other faculty. The gym is still full of memories of games, plays, cheerleading and all the activities Shelley and you were such an important part of. She was such a special person – i think a junior when i arrived – she was the “grown up” in the room as I recall, but always ready for fun. I’m sure great memories will keep her spirit alive in all of you. Sr. Margaret shared some of her memories of her as well. And she is now at peace. God bless.
Father Glenn.
I am so sorry to learn of Shelley’s death and heartbroken to learn she had been unwell for some time. Shelley was a dear friend to my late sister Mary growing up. Shelley was a rock for Mary during her battle with multiple myeloma. I remember how those 2 would phone each other daily and both spoke at warp speed. I’m sure there were hugs and tears and laughter when they met up in Heaven. My sympathy and prayers to the families and friends of Shelley.
Shelley was my cousin and a very special person. She was truly a good person in all aspects. I fondly remember as young children going to her mom’s house with my parents for Christmas. I remember working with Shelley at the Hermitage Pa McDonalds on State Street. I would pull tricks on Shelley and she had such of great sense of humor and was a pleasure to be around. I give my heart felt sympathy to Eric, his children, My aunt Derethea, Nick, Tim, Kim, Jacquie and their spouses. Better people could not be found on this earth and Shelley will truly be an angel in heaven.
I first met Shelley almost 20 years ago when I came to Presby from West Penn Hospital. It was not always an easy transition after being at West Penn for almost 30 years as an OR nurse. I remember Shelley being so kind and welcoming and always a smile on her beautiful face and always a story that would put a smile on your face. It makes me so sad to learn of her passing, but I know she is well now and with her Heavenly Father.
God Bless you lovely lady and prayers to her family and loved ones. Julia Moore
Eric and family,
Shelly was my dear friend for over 40 years. She was truly a wonderful person. I will miss her. Take some comfort that the Lord has another angel. She fought so hard and at least got to see 2 grandchildren and travel with you Eric the love of her life. I will always remember and pray for you my friend.🙏
To the Thokar and Hoban families,
I knew Shelley from working both at Presbyterian and the VAMC. We were friends and shared some special times. I admired Shelley’s great faith and know that it helped her through this very long journey. She was funny and serious, lighthearted and intense. A good nurse but a better person. I know how much she loved Eric and her children and grandchildren, as well as her parents and siblings.
Her extended family and friends were equally important. Although it’s been several years since we have seen each other, we occasionally chatted on the phone. She was so strong!! I will miss her!
We love you Shelley and were so blessed to know you! You were such a good wife, mother, sister and friend! You were always so kind and gracious to me and my family. We pray for peace, love and grace for all our family and loved ones! We know we will all see each other on the other side of Heaven and rejoice in your welcome to His Kingdom! May He love you and keep you until we are all united once again! God bless the Calabro family.
Eric and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Shelley. I am so grateful that I got to meet her and experience her lovely personality. May you all find comfort and peace in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Samantha Boettner
Dear Eric, Ian, Rachel and Chelsea,
Words cannot encompass the depth of your loss. Shelley was a wonderfully loving wife and mother. Our hearts go out to you. We are with you in spirit. All our love, Greg, Peggy, Katie and Christopher.
Eric and family,
The Gera’s and the Rosenthal’s let me know of your tragic loss. Although you have not heard from me for many years, I am so sorry to hear that you have lost Shelley, your wife of a lifetime. I’m glad you had each other all these many years and that your faith has carried you through all that you’ve endured. May God bless you, hold you close, calm your heart and give you peace as you go through this time.
Fondly,
Kathy Graham
To the Thokar and Hoban families,
I knew Shelley from working both at Presbyterian and the VAMC. We were friends and shared some special times. I admired Shelley’s great faith and know that it helped her through this very long journey. She was funny and serious, lighthearted and intense. A good nurse but a better person. I know how much she loved Eric and her children and grandchildren, as well as her parents and siblings.
Her extended family and friends were equally important. Although it’s been several years since we have seen each other, we occasionally chatted on the phone. She was so strong!! I will miss her!
Shelley was one of my favorite co-workers and happy to call her “friend.” She was strong-willed and persistent in all respects of life. I will treasure all of the memories of her. We will meet again. ♥️
My condolences to the family and especially Ian and Gina who have become extended family to me. You never get over the loss of your mother.
My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, Eric. You are in my prayers.
Dear Derethea and her entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today. The passing of Shelley is heart breaking for all of us and especially for you and your wonderful family. You and your family has been a wonderful example and inspiration for everyone to see your love of God and of each other. Know that we are here for you always. Love, the Canfields
I was so saddened to here of Shelley’s passing. She was so sweet, kind, and vivacious. We went to high school together. Shelley was a Senior with my sister Margaret, and I was a Freshman with Shelley’s sister, Jackie. Kim, Nick, and JoLynn were all friends of mine. Shelley was in the school play “Oliver” with me and watched over me with a maternal instinct. She was outstanding in the play with such a beautiful singing voice. I am not surprised at all that she was a nurse – so perfect for her – caring and giving. Special love to Jackie, my dear friend. So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolence to the whole family. The world is a lesser place without Shelley in it. But she lives in in those she loved. With sympathy, Kevin O’Brien
Sue and I are DEEPLY sorry for this loss. Shelley’s Love of Life will be missed, but hopefully remembered, by the many lives she touched. Our prayers are for your strength for your family.
I have been thinking of all of you so much. Just know you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Dana
To Shelly’s entire family
Always remember Shelly’s sweet smile & kindness
So sorry for your loss
Shelley was my coworker and friend at Presby and the VA for 30 years. She was always such a joy and inspiration to be around. I feel privileged to have known her and will always hold those memories in my heart. She brought her faith and love for God with her where ever she was! My deepest sympathy to Eric,Ian,Rachel and Chelsea. My thoughts and prayers are with all her family members at this most difficult time!
Rachel and Family,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Thinking of you!
Eric, kids and family–
We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss everything about Shelley more than you know. She meant so much to so many people and touched so many lives. We were lucky to have her. Thank you for sharing her with us!
With love, The Rosenthal Family
I worked with Shelley at Presby and everything everyone says about her is true. She was a wonderful person and caring nurse. May she rest in Peace. God bless her loving family.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you and keep you strong during this time. you are in my prayers. Dana
My sincerest condolences to the family.
We love you Shelley and were so blessed to know you! You were such a good wife, mother, sister and friend! You were always so kind and gracious to me and my family. We pray for peace, love and grace for all our family and loved ones! We know we will all see each other on the other side of Heaven and rejoice in your welcome to His Kingdom! May He love you and keep you until we are all united once again! God bless the Calabro family.
Beloved family- we loved and admired Shelly. She was a spiritual rock for me many times, and a joyous, fun filled light all the time. we were honored to call her dear friend, never forgotten, our memories with Shelly will live forever, until we meet in heaven.
Our sincerest condolences to you Eric and your family.
Shelly was a strong woman, a woman of great faith, and an inspiration to all who knew her. I am proud to have spent many years with Shelly as both a colleague and a friend. May God grant her rest and peace.
I am sooo very sorry Eric… Shelley was an Amazing person.. please just remember
“Gone from sight she might be but really never will she part, she’ll be with you always in the love of your heart “..
Much love to you, Ian, Rachel, and Chelsea as well as their families..