Obituary of Shirley Gearing
Shirley Gearing, born on November 6, 1929, and daughter of the late William and Marie (Miller) O’Hern, died October 9, 2017 at the age of 87. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Joseph P. Gearing, and daughter Donna Gearing and brothers Gerald and James O’Hern. She is survived by son Daniel Gearing and his children Christopher Clapp, (Danielle ) Jennifer Neuschafer, (David) Christopher Gearing, (Kirsten) and Katie Bogden, (David) as well as daughter in law Linda Gearing. She is also survived by son Gary Gearing, his wife Lisa and their children David Wenger, (Erica) Tara Niesslein, (Michael) Alison Stanish, (James) and Dillon Gearing (fiancée Alexandra) as well as 14 great-grandchildren.
Shirley was a devout, active, and supportive member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Farmington, PA, as well as St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Uniontown, PA. She spent many years as a member of the Catholic Daughters.
Throughout at least three decades, Shirley worked, alongside her husband Joe, to establish Perma-Cote Industries. She never took credit for her role as an entrepreneur, staying where she was most comfortable, in the background. However, she brought grace and stability to the company, as well as protocol, organization, and sales. As a matter of fact, no matter what Shirley was involved with, she brought with her grace and stability.
She was the driving force behind the life of her daughter Donna, making sure that despite her illness, Donna was able to live a full and active life until her death in 2006.
She was a member of the Farmington Book Club, and as she grew older, Shirley enjoyed traveling through the many books she read. Shirley was also an avid gardener as is testament if one ever viewed the landscaping surrounding her home. She enjoyed her memberships and friendships with both the Farmington Book and Garden Club.
Shirley touched the lives of many people through prayer and generosity, especially people who spent time with her, like Thursdays with Marsha and Sami, and Mondays with Annette. Her faith, like her, was formidable. She was calm, yet fervent, gentle yet resilient.
As it says in John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Friends will be received in the Thomas M Dolfi Funeral Home 136 n Gallatin ave Uniontown, PA Thursday October 12,2017 6 to 8 and Friday October 13,2017 2 to 4 and 6 to 8. And on Saturday October 14, 2017 until 9:15Am at which time a prayer service will be held followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. John The Evangelist Church. Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Girls Hope, 1020 W. State St Baden, PA 15005 in Shirley’s name.
