Joyce A. (Cifelli) Shellhammer

***New date for services scheduled, please read below for updated information*****

Joyce Anna Yvette Cifelli Shellhammer passed into the Lord’s Grace on November 23rd, 2024, she was 80 years old.  Born December 9th, 1943 in Conneaut, Ohio to Liberato Joseppi “Leo” Cifelli and Julia Ann (Toth) Cifelli.

On November 20th, 1965, Joyce married the love of her life, Paul E Shellhammer, II.

Joyce graduated from Conneaut High School Class of 1962, Kent State with a B.A. in Elementary Education, and received a Masters in Elementary Education and Certificate of Administration from Edinboro State University of Pennsylvania. Upon her retirement from the Conneaut Area School System, she underwent Lay Pastor Training in the Presbytery of the Wester Reserve. 

Joyce spent her years giving back to the community in which she grew up as an elementary teacher at Monroe Elementary, West Main Elementary, then became Principal for West Main, Lakeview, and Southeast Elementary Schools.  She retired after 34 years of service.  Afterwards, she was a Student Teacher Advisor at Kent State University, Adjunct Professor for Youngstown State, Kent State, and Lake Erie College.  In collaboration with Keith Thimons, instituted a Masters in Education Program through Youngstown State housed in Conneaut.

In her retirement from the Conneaut Area School System, she became a Certified Lay Pastor and worked as a Supply Pastor for the Ashtabula County Cluster of Presbyterian Churches, including Harris Memorial, East Side Church, First Church, and North Kingsville Presbyterian Church. Her last commission as a Pastor was for the United Congregational Church in Conneaut, Ohio from 2009-2018.  She continued to hold Bible Study classes until two days prior to her passing.

She showed her commitment to the community though volunteering in various civic organizations throughout the county: Board of Directors, Conneaut Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors, United Way of Ashtabula County; LEADERship Ashtabula County, Class of 1992; Civic Development Corporation Task Force; Ethics Committee, Brown Memorial Hospital; ACT 2000 Facilitator.

Joyce was very involved with the things she loved: her family, entertaining, and her faith.  She enjoyed cooking with her children, grandchildren, and spending time with all of her family (so she could see to the administration of their lives).  Decorating her home for all of the holidays, including Groundhog’s Day!  Her grandsons, whom she showered with love and affection, were her true love and joy.  Her selflessness was demonstrated in the giving of joy to those around her - be it teaching, through faith, the warmth and communion of spending time around her table.

Survived by her husband, Paul E Shellhammer II, her children Mary M Shellhammer, Melissa (Shawn) Shellhammer Aiken, and Paul (Maggie) E Shellhammer III, her grandchildren Shawn Patrick Aiken, Quinnlan Paul Aiken, and Liam Jay Aiken, and her brother Len Cifelli.

Preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Leo Cifelli Jr, Anthony Cifelli, and sister Marcelene Markijohn, nephews Richard and Joseph Markijohn.

Services will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday March 29, 2025 at East Side Presbyterian Church, 3440 Edgewood Dr. Ashtabula, OH 44004.

 Visitation will be held from 11:00am until the time of service at 1:00pm at the church.

Contributions may be made in Joyce’s memory to the Conneaut Food Pantry or Right Track After School Program, care of Conneaut Resources Center. Envelopes will be available at the service and the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, which is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

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