Shirley B. Sotcan

Our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Shirley Bernice Sotcan died March 12, 2015. She was 92 years old. Though we know she has gone to a far better place we are grieving and will miss her greatly.
She was born in Falmouth, Maine on April 3, 1922 to Elizabeth and Melville Gribbin. Her mother died when she was nine years old. She graduated from Falmouth High School in 1940 and as a young woman she worked at Dyer and Dyer Dry Cleaners in Portland, Maine. She told us often that she would ride her bicycle to and from work each day, a total of 36 miles.
Mom met our father, Nick Sotcan, who preceded her in death, when he was stationed at Fort Williams in South Portland, Maine during World War II. They were married in Portland on August 19, 1942 and came home to Alliance, Ohio. They enjoyed 24 years together.
Mom and Dad managed the U.S.S. R. Transylvania Society in Alliance or as most people knew it, the Romanian Club for 10 years. Mom also was employed by Manhattan Cleaners in Alliance and Salem for 36 years.
Mom loved to dance and to entertain her neighbors and friends. Every Thursday evening her neighbors would meet at her home for socializing, cards and dominos. We, her family, would like to thank all these wonderful people for watching over her and making sure she had what she needed or doing whatever she needed done. A special thanks goes to her neighbor Gary Nahas. Her neighbors were all so thoughtful and kind to her. They were a blessing and we know she appreciated each and every one of them.
Mom enjoyed her independence and was very proud of the fact that she could balance her checkbook to the penny at her age. She would say that her mind was still good but her body went to hell.
She was a life member of B.P.O.E. no. 467 Ladies Auxiliary of the Elks, Chapter 296 Order of the Eastern Star, the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW, and the Alliance Senior Citizens.
She is survived by her daughters, Carol Morehead of Deerfield and Jane (William) Bon of South Lyon, Michigan; her beloved sister Arlene Ritchie of Falmouth, Maine; three grandchildren, Marnie McVey of Tallmadge, Douglas Lamielle of Florida, and William Bon III of Seattle, WA; two great-grandchildren, Cedric King and Jessie McVey; and one great-granddaughter, Shaelynn Ison.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in May.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Portage Animal Protective League, 8122 Infirmary Rd. Ravenna, OH 44266.
Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, 75 S. Union Ave., Alliance, Ohio, 44601. Friends may register online at www.ctcfuneral.com.