Shirley Joyce Ostinelli

Shirley Joyce Hanka Ostinelli, age 83, of Wylie, Texas, was a proud, second-generation native Texan. She was born Dec. 31, 1939, in Houston, Texas, to George and Hermenia (Hrna) Hanka. Surrounded by loved ones, she passed away peacefully on Dec. 28, 2023.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Richard Ostinelli; parents George and Hermenia Hanka; and her brothers George Hanka and James Hanka.

She is survived by her sister Barbara Ann Seelhorst; daughter Anne Marie Hiney and her husband Bill; son Stephen Charles Ostinelli and his wife Linda; grandchildren Hayden Ostinelli and his wife Lorin; Alexander Ostinelli, and David Hiney; and great-granddaughter Clara Lucille; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.

Shirley fiercely loved her family. Unable to have children, she and Richard adopted Anne and Stephen. Shirley was a devoted mother, aunt, sister, grandmother and-great grandmother. She frequently bragged that her three grandsons were PERFECT – and she meant it. And we can’t forget how much Shirley adored her kitties ... she was a lifelong cat lover.

Shirley attended Stephen F. Austin University, where she studied Home Economics. While there, she met Richard and they married in 1958. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics degree in 1960 and was an educator for 28 years, teaching Home Economics at Aldine and MacArthur High Schools, and Food Service and Hospitality at Humble High School. She was also a business owner, running Catering by Shirley for seven years.

Shirley’s favorite thing to do was to plan and host a party. Getting people together and feeding them was her love language. You didn’t want to miss one of Shirley’s parties - they were legendary.

Throughout her life she loved traveling with friends and family and was especially proud that she and Richard had visited all 50 of the United States. She also enjoyed sewing and took up quilting as a hobby later in life.

Shirley was dearly loved by her family and so many friends. We are going to miss her deeply.