WILMINGTON — Shirley was born Shirley Bistline in 1938 to parents Sam and Gladys Bistline, and lived in Pennsylvania until moving to WIlmington, NC, in 1982. She grew up with a love of learning, creativity, and activity that stayed with her throughout her life.
Being near the water was central to Shirley’s life. Whether it was a swimming pool, the YWCA, Camp Cann-Edi-On, or the beach, water was always part of her world. She won the first Whitely Award at the YWCA in York in 1953 and went on to swim, teach swimming, manage pools, and lead water exercise classes well into her 80s, retiring at age 82. She also won numerous medals in state and national Master’s Swimming competitions.
Shirley was a woman who loved life’s simple pleasures—especially dessert. Ice cream and anything chocolate topped her list, and she often joked about wanting to swim around a vat of chocolate at the Hershey factory. At family Chicken Corn Soup gatherings, how many bowls Shirley had eaten was always an entertaining topic of conversation.
Shirley married George Falvey in 1955. Together, they enjoyed many years raising their four children, including family camping trips and vacations. Shirley and George were active volunteers and participants in many school and community activities. They shared many years together until George’s death in 1983.
In her 40s, Shirley returned to school at Cape Fear Community College, where she earned two Associate Degrees—another reflection of her determination and lifelong love of learning.
In 1994, Shirley married Jim Shea, with whom she enjoyed many happy years in Wilmington until his death in 2022. They loved spending time at Carolina Beach—walking, swimming, reading, and simply enjoying being together. She also looked forward to hiking and camping trips in the mountains of western North Carolina.
Another lifelong passion was sewing, which Shirley learned in junior high. Over the years, she made her own clothing, did alterations, worked in a sewing factory, and sewed for dress shops. Her children were often dressed in clothes she made herself, including many treasured Easter outfits.
Shirley was independent and responsible, handling whatever came her way with quiet strength. She rarely went anywhere without a book and passed along her love of reading to her children.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Gladys Bistline; her brothers, Allison Bistline and Floyd Bistline; and her husbands, George Falvey and Jim Shea. She is survived by her sister, Vicky White; her children and their spouses: Patrick Falvey; Kathy and Jeff Denlinger; Dan and Claudia Falvey; and Eileen and Bill Lubold; her grandchildren and their spouses: Sawyer and Julie Lubold, Sean and Alexis Falvey, and Mark Falvey; and her great-grandchildren, Kolby Lubold and Teagan Lubold.
Donations in Shirley’s honor may be made to the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice, or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at the St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church chapel, 1416 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.
