Shirley A. Schaap (Messa)

Shirley A. Schaap (Messa), of Easton, PA, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt passed away May 7th, 2024 in her home. Daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Goreso) Messa, she was married to Christiaan Schaap for 50 years prior to his passing in 2010. Born and raised in Easton, PA, she graduated from Easton Area High School in 1954. She continued her education at Paterson General Hospital and Fairleigh Dickinson, where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. Shirley and her husband Chris lived in Northern New Jersey, moved to Puerto Rico for a family business venture, and eventually settled back to Easton, PA where they raised their three children. Shirley returned to her calling as a nurse, first at Warren Hospital, and eventually retiring from LVH/ Muhlenberg Rehabilitation Hospital.

Survivors: Daughters Heidi and husband Stephen Mellon of Upper Macungie Township, Kimberly and husband Bryan Sandt of Salisbury Township, and son Christiaan Schaap of Morristown, NJ. Two grandchildren, Zachary Mellon and Brynn Mellon. Extended family includes: 4 nieces and 2 nephews, 2 great nieces, 8 great nephews, and 6 great great nieces and 4 great great nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is predeceased by brothers Frank and Edward Messa, and sister Marie Messa.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon at the Finegan Funeral Home at 302 Heckman Street in Phillipsburg, NJ, with a Funeral Service beginning at Noon at the funeral home. The interment will be at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Williams Township, PA.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Luekemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org.