Shirley A. Bussenger

Shirley Bussenger, 87, of Bangor, PA, our beloved mother, grandmother, and the unwavering pillar of our family, passed away peacefully at her residence on February 2, 2026. She was the devoted wife of the late Woodrow Bussenger, who passed away in 2008, with whom she shared 48 years of a beautiful and lasting marriage. Born in Warren Hospital, Phillipsburg, New Jersey, Shirley was the daughter of the late John and Rose (Sos) Nemeth. A proud 1957 graduate of Phillipsburg Catholic, Shirley felt a calling to care for others. She completed a two-year nursing program through Easton Hospital, earning her degree as a Registered Nurse. She began her career at Easton Hospital before moving on to serve at a nursing home in Stroudsburg. During those early years, she also selflessly volunteered her time alongside a close friend at a foster center for children. In 1978, Shirley and her husband, Woodrow, embarked on a journey that would define a legacy, purchasing a small chocolate shop they named Chocolates on Broadway. Together, they poured countless hours, tireless dedication, and a unique kind of love into their family business. For 47 years, Shirley was the heart behind the counter. Her wisdom and warmth were the shop’s true ingredients, and her legacy remains a profound testament to what a family business can achieve through love and hard work. A woman of faith, Shirley was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Roseto, PA. She had a passion for travel, especially the cherished trips to Wildwood, NJ, as her children were growing up. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life: reading, cooking, and her legendary ability to strike up a conversation with anyone she met. Above all else, she was a devoted Nanny to her grandchildren, cherishing every moment she spent in their company. Shirley is survived by her children: Woodrow, Deborah Kunsman (Todd), Kimberly Marlatt (Sam), and Stephen (Sabrina); her beloved grandchildren: Alex Bussenger, Morgan (Billy) Broeker, Nicholas (Trisha) Kunsman, Zachary (Sarah) Kunsman, Kodie Kunsman, Sammy Marlatt, Melissa (fiancee Ben) Marlatt, Zander Marlatt, Caitlin Bussenger, Lexi Bussenger, and Madelin Bussenger. She was the proud great-grandmother of Hudson Broeker; Wylder and Elkin Kunsman; Tyler, Kelsey, Kaisa, and Travis Kunsman; and Mason, Aedan, Addison, and Julian Marlatt. She is also survived by her brother, Barry (Dang) Nemeth, and Donna Curcio. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sibling, John L Nemeth (2011), and his wife, Marlene Nemeth (2025). The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the teams at St. Luke’s Hospital (Anderson), Lehigh Valley Hospital, and Suburban EMS for their extraordinary care and compassion. Family and Friends may call on Saturday, February 7th, from 9 to 11 AM, followed by services at 11 AM in the Fiore Funeral Home, 230 Market Street, Bangor. Burial will be in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Roseto, PA. Memorial Donations may be offered to the American Heart Association, 968 Postal Road, Suite 110, Bethlehem, Pa 18018. Online condolences may be offered at www.fiorefuneralhome.com

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Shirley A. Bussenger

January 8, 1939 - February 2, 2026