Age 85, of Cheswick, died August 10, 2020, at home with loved ones. She was born on July 9, 1935, in Pittsburgh to parents, James Schmitt and Emma (Lutz). She married Herbert J. Brankley on May 1, 1954, and together they started a close-knit family that now spans four generations. Raised in Troy Hill and Garfield, Shirley moved with Herb to Penn Hills, where they raised their family. She hosted lively parties and had a lifelong flair for music, performing and entertaining. At family gatherings she was always at the heart of conversation, holding court with guests and grandkids. Shirley welcomed visitors with an elegantly appointed home and her delicious cooking. A loving homemaker, she kept a pristine house and earned her nickname: “Old Dutch Cleanser.” Along with Herb, she was a patron of the arts and culture in Pittsburgh. She could often be found cheering on the Pirates and Pens, or golfing with Herb – especially on family vacations to Hilton Head Island. In her final days, she was visited by all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, got to meet her newest great-granddaughter and enjoyed her beloved sister Eileen’s soup. She was eager to vote for a change in administration in November, and she hoped others would do the same. Shirley is survived by her husband; sister, Eileen Sebring; and brother, James Schmitt; son, Dave (Cheryl) of Oakmont; daughters, Jan (Bob Serafini) of Monroeville, Karen (Joe Sabo) of Monroeville, Laura (Dustin Hagg) of Cranberry and Mary Ellen (Ed Meindl) of Monroeville. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no visitation or service at this time. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at a later date. Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers: Development, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.