Shirley Mensi

Shirley Mae (Alig) Mensi, 79, of New Carlisle, OH passed away on September 20, 2022, peacefully at home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.  She was born on October 25, 1942 in Peoria, Illinois, the fourth daughter of the late Prosper and Francis (Meismer) Alig.  She is survived by her daughters: Debbie Mensi of New Carlisle and Janice Clark of New Carlisle; son-in-law, Curtis Clark, and two grandsons, Coleman (Brooke), and Adam (Jenna) Clark; sisters, Nancy Jackson and Lois Jenkins and numerous, much-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Noah W (“Tiny”) Mensi, originally of  Alabama and her son Donald Mensi, one sister, Ruth Appel of Mesa, AZ.

Shirley grew up in Metamora, IL living on a farm. She met Noah on a blind date and they married within a year. She raised three children while following Noah on various Air Force assignments in the United States as well as overseas in the Philippines. Their final assignment was at WPAFB, after which the family remained in New Carlisle.

Over the next 40 years, Tiny and Shirley treasured close friendships, countless holiday and neighborhood parties with delicious food, and “gut-busting” humor with family and neighbors. In more solemn times, Tiny and Shirley were always ready to help their friends, in any way possible, overcome painful setbacks in life and move on. It is comforting to think that Shirley is now being welcomed and embraced by her husband, her son, and many of those same friends and neighbors that have gone on before her.

Shirley worked in precision electronics her entire career and received an Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Sinclair Community College at the age of 50! She overcame many obstacles in her life and career and always handled them with fortitude, quiet determination, and grace. She was the true strength of her family, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors.

Shirley’s final resting place will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Montgomery, AL beside her husband and son. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Shirley’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association and to Grace Hospice, 3303 Kettering Blvd, Ste 220, Dayton, OH 45439-1948. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.trostelchapman.com . We welcome your prayers for our family.