Shirley Ann (Joy) Kovich, 72, of Ridge, MD passed away on April 13, 2014 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 28, 1942, in Ridge, MD she was the daughter of Michael Love Joy and Mary Magdalen (Gatton) Joy.

Shirley recently retired from the Archdiocese of Washington having worked at St. Michaels Parish in Ridge for the past 38 years as the parish administrator. She took great pride in receiving the Archdiocese of Washington Medal of Merit for her faithful service to Catholic education for over 38 years. Prior to that she taught elementary education at Little Flower School in Great Mills and Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) classes at St. Michaels.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, John Kovich Jr, and spent 25 of those years as a devoted U. S. Navy wife. In addition to her husband she also had two children; John Michael Kovich (Kristi) of Lexington Park and Carol Kovich Woodard (Donny) of Charlotte, North Carolina as well as 4 grandsons; Nick, Kyle, Corey and Brandon.

In addition to her husband, children and grandchildren she is survived by her sister Mary Catherine (Joy) Abell of Valley Lee and two brothers; Joseph Michael "Puggy" Joy of Ridge and Larry Thomas Joy of LaPlata, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She cherished time spent with family and friends and enjoyed volunteering in the community, especially her many years of dedication serving St Michaels School. She enjoyed making trips to Dover and Atlantic City with "Big John" and spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren watching them pursue their academic and athletic goals.

The family will receive friends for Shirley's celebration of life and visitation on Saturday, April 26 from 10-11a.m. at St. Michael's Church in Ridge, Md. with Mass starting at 11:00 a.m. Fellowship will follow the services in St. Michael's School Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her memory can be made to the Archangel Scholarship Foundation (ASF) courtesy of St. Michael's School, P.O. Box 259, Ridge, Md. 20680.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.