During her 24-year career with the Kent City Schools, Cathy Shipley taught second-graders at Central and Davey elementary schools, volunteered as a peer coach and mentored new teachers.

Earlier this year, Shipley received the 2011 Dr. Emilio D. Ferrara Community Service Award from the school district.

The Kent resident retired from teaching shortly after being diagnosed as having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in June 2009.

She died of complications from the disease Tuesday, Sept. 20, at age 49.

Shipley was born Catherine Mary Huscroft on Jan. 18, 1962.

She graduated from Kent State University.

Survivors include her husband of 23 years, David; son, David; daughters, Catie and Ellen; parents, Bobbie and Whitey Huscroft of Stow; and siblings Mike of Phoenix, AZ, Mark (Sarah) of Silver Lake, Jim (Mary) of Carmel, IN, John (Cyndi) of Mesa, AZ, Rick and Maureen of Kent and Barb (Gene) of Suffolk, VA. Her brother, Tom, is deceased.

Calling hours are 4-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 3179 Kent Road, Stow, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24.

Donations may be made to Kelly Reeves Memorial Foundation, c/o 511 N. River Road, Munroe Falls, OH 44262; ALS Association, Northern Ohio Chapter, 2500 East 22nd St., Suite 102, Cleveland, OH 44115; or Alex's Lemonade Stand.

Arrangements are by Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.