Shirley Mae Mele

Shirley Mae Mele, age 89, of Fallston, Maryland, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, in the presence of her family. Born in Bolt, West Virginia, she was the daughter of Winton “Guy” Covey and Madelene Clara (Allen) Thompson and the beloved wife Dominick Mele, with whom she shared nearly 71 wonderful years of marriage.

As a teenager, Shirley worked as a telephone operator, where she first met Dominick, the love of her life. She later served as an office manager at Winters Run Golf Club, where she worked for many years before retiring.

Shirley was a devoted member of Maple View Baptist Church for over 20 years and previously a member of Bel Forest Baptist Church for another 20 years. Her unwavering dedication to the Lord and her kind and generous spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Shirley’s life was centered around her family and community. She was a loving mother and grandmother who cherished nurturing not only her own children but also the children of the neighborhood. She had a deep love for animals and cared for many throughout her lifetime.

In addition to her husband she is survived by her son, Craig M. (Mary) Mele; her daughter, Donna Lee (Jon) Withrow; grandchildren, Daniel (Cheryl) Mele, Kayla Gibson, and Alyssa (Walt) Weihaus; great-grandchildren, Lisa Lynn Mele and Thomas Matthew Mele; and her sister-in-law, Nancy Assisi.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Winton Covey, Jr., and Jerry Covey; her sister, Alice Jo Wills; and her sister-in-law, Rose Clemente.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Maple View Baptist Church, 1600 Singer Road, Joppa, MD 21085.