Shirley P. (Koch) Loukides

Shirley Loukides, 96, of Toms River, NJ, passed serenely and peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Early Years - Born January 30, 1930, to Joseph and Wanda Koch, Shirley grew up on a 60-acre family farm in Moscow, Pennsylvania, with her five sisters and one brother. There, she developed a lifelong love of caring for and feeding animals. She also cherished picking and eating blueberries with her family. As a young teenager, when her mother became terminally ill, Shirley stayed home to care for her and her younger sisters. Following her mother's death in 1947, she moved to Newark, New Jersey. After sewing at home, she became a supervisor in a sewing factory in Newark.

Moving to the Woodbridge area, she met her future husband, Gus Loukides. They married on January 19, 1957, and raised their two children in Fords, New Jersey. After Gus's retirement, they moved to Toms River in 1996. Gus passed away in 2001.

Family Life - Shirley's life and greatest passion was always her family. During the winter, she worked at the Princeton Shirt Factory, and in the summer, she stayed home with her children. She was a truly devoted aunt to her nieces and nephews, always available for them no matter when or why they needed her—with open-hearted love, encouragement, and unwavering support through every joy and challenge.

Hobbies - Her hobbies brought her joy: playing cards with friends, crocheting, macramé, bowling in leagues, playing slots at casinos, and cheering for her Yankees. She also loved driving in the Cadillacs lovingly provided by her husband, ensuring she always had a beautiful one to enjoy.

In her later years, Shirley became a longtime volunteer at Community Medical Center, earning the nickname “Yarn Lady.” She crocheted baby hats and blankets for new mothers and lap blankets for seniors, while also organizing others to join in. She continued enjoying card games with friends, caring for the deer that visited her yard, and—above all—treasuring every moment with her beloved family, especially her grandchildren who brought her endless delight and pride.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gus; her parents; and her siblings, Margaret, Gladys, Florence, Ernest, and Joann.

She is survived by her two sons and their wives:

Mark Loukides and his wife, Kelly, of Lewes, Delaware

Curt Loukides and his wife, Tracey, of Whiting, New Jersey

She also leaves behind four dear grandchildren: Eric, Kayla, Karly, and Curt Loukides; as well as her sister, Darlene Barnes.

Memorial Service - The family invites friends and relatives to join them for a gathering on Saturday, March 7, 2026, starting at 4:00 pm at Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River, NJ where photos and memories will be shared. Please arrive at this time to greet the family and offer condolences. At approximately 4:30 pm, everyone will be seated for the memorial service, which will include prayers, shared songs, and tributes. After the service, please join the family for a repast at Three B's Bar & Bistro, Lakehurst, NJ (near Toms River). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Shirley to the Allegany Boys Camp: https://alleganyboyscamp.org , in honor of her enduring compassion and the difference it made for her family.

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