Shirley S. Rocco
October 17, 1932 ~ August 20, 2026
Born in:
Mount Ayr, Iowa
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Shirley S. Rocco, 93, passed away Aug. 20, 2026. Survived by her children, Susan Rocco-McKeel (Michael McKeel), Alan Rocco and Mike Rocco; grandchildren, Nicholas Rocco-McKeel, Brandon Rocco-McKeel, Seth Rocco, Alex I. Rocco and Holly Salazar; and great-grandchildren, Emily Rocco and Luna Rocco.
Preceded in death by her husband, Alex A. Rocco; her parents; and brother, Robert Rush.
Shirley was born to parents, Madge and Dwight Rush, on Oct. 17, 1932, in Mount Ayr, Iowa and moved to Colorado at age three.
She worked in several banks throughout her life and retired as an Administrative Assistant for the Dean/s of Humanities at the University of Southern Colorado.
Shirley enjoyed sewing, reading, participating in church activities, and traveling, but mostly she enjoyed family time.
Funeral Mass, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3130 Morris Ave., in Pueblo. Interment, Mountain Vale Cemetery in Canon City.
Memorials may be made to American Stroke Foundation, 6405 Metcalf Ave., Suite 214, Overland Park, KS 66202;Â http://AmericanStroke.org
Online condolences: www.MontgomerySteward.com
Services
Funeral Mass: August 27, 2026 1:30 pm
St. Pius X Catholic Church
3130 Morris Avenue
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-542-1552
Graveside Service:
Mountain Vale Cemetery of Canon City
1602 Cedar Ave.
Canon City, CO 81212
719-542-1552
How very sad I was to learn just this morning before Mass that your Mom, my dear friend, Shirley, had died. And then learned her funeral would be this afternoon and since I drive Fr John, who has two appts this afternoon, I will not be able to be there with you!
I was so blessed to call her a dear friend for many years as my late husband and Alex did many things together at St Pius. They also were in the hospital at the same time one time and I would stop to see him on way to my husband’s room. Shirley and I shared morning Mass together for years both at St Pius and at Christ the King – often going for coffee after! I so treasured the years of friendship!
My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time!
Susan, Alan and Mike, I just found out about Shirley’s death this morning before Mass. I would love to have concelebrated the Mass with Gr. Kenny Joe, only to find out the funeral is this afternoon. I have 2 appointments and can’t be there. I feel so bad. I loved your mom. She was a breath of fresh air when I was Pastor at St. Pius X. I loved her for her candor. And her apple pies were the best in the world! I will offer my Mass for her this Sunday when I concelebrate at Christ the King Church. I grieve with you, but have every confidence that she is up “in the air conditioning” as I like to say. Blessings on all of you! — Fr. John Ozella
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother.
As we gather for the Liturgy of the Hours, the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, Chicago, will pray for Shirley, our devoted and faithful Benedictine Oblate. May your dear mother rest in God’s eternal embrace and may you, her loving family, be comforted knowing she is at peace. With the sympathy of the Benedictine Sisters.
Shirley was our bright light guiding all of the student workers in the deans office (1987-1990). We admired her for her patience, guidance, dedication, and diplomacy. We love and cherish her for being such a positive influence and boss. Much love and many of Gods blessings and comfort to the family. Suzie Pasquin
Alan,
So sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose our parents no matter what our age is.
She raised an amazing son.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jan Hoover