Leonore J. "Toot" Shirk, 78, of Rural Julian, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2009, at Nittany Medical Center, of natural causes.
Born on July 11, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Florence Lucas Fitzgerald. Her husband, Jacob R. Shirk, preceded her in death July 19, 1992. She drove bus for the Bald Eagle School District for many years. She was of the Protestant Faith. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, ceramics and needle point. She also loved her animals and farming. Known as "Mom" to many she was a wonderful, loving grandmother to her 16 grandchildren.
She is survived by six sons, Samuel (Tina) Shirk. of Milesburg, Kenneth Shirk, of Julian, Timothy (Buck) Shirk, David (Lori) Shirk, Mark Shirk and Joseph Shirk all of Bellefonte; two daughters, Florence Shirk-Palmer, and Rachel Shirk-Bennett, both of Bellefonte; one brother, Kenneth (Judy) Fitzgerald, of Bellefonte; and one sister, Nancy Fitzgerald, of Bellefonte; 16 grandchildren, Kenton, Mathew, Joshua, Clinton, Ashley, Brandon, Charity, Jacob, Briana, Kristina, Tanna, Emily, Elliot, Timothy, Elijah and Trevor; and two great-grandchildren, Trinity and Ethan. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond, and her granddaughter, Tabitha Shirk.
Funeral service will be on Friday, August 14, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home, Milesburg with Pastor Frank Skies officiating. Friends will be receivedonThursday, August 13, 2009 from 7 – 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Advent Cemetery, Boggs Twp.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to The Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home, P.O. Box 288, Milesburg, PA 16853 Arrangements are under the direction of Dean K. Wetzler Funeral Home, Milesburg.