Beverly J. Shirk

Beverly J. Shirk passed in her sleep early Saturday December 12 while in the care of the Good Samaritan Hospital. Having dedicated more than 35 years of service as a registered nurse at the same hospital, and having spent nearly all those years working 11pm to 7am, it is perhaps fitting that she would depart on the night shift. An old nurse never dies, just makes one final round. The irony would not be lost upon my dear smiling aunt. Beverly was born September 7, 1928. She was raised and graduated from high school in Annville. Anna Shirk, Beverly's mother, who was not unknown to take mercy and feed an occasional railroad tramp from the family's own meager kitchen, literally saved pennies to help finance Beverly's education. After three years of training Beverly graduated from Temple University. Always one eager to engage the world, Beverly shortly thereafter moved to New York City, and later west to Denver. Nursing finally brought Beverly home to Pennsylvania where she could help care for her mother and sister Gail, and then enjoy her niece and nephews. Beverly enjoyed many and varied activities. Chief among them were working outside with her hands. Beverly liked to plant and was very capable with any and all implements. This included golf clubs. But quite possibly her favorite pastime was travel. Having taken many trips here and abroad her last visit to the Holy Lands remains, outside of her family, one of her fondest passions. The selflessness with which Beverly lived indeed required a spirit that was willing to go some distance. And Beverly always maintained a sense of humor even later in life in the midst of some physical infirmity. But Aunt Beverly was never one to place her needs ahead of a niece, nephew, or sister. Her last spoken words to her nephew Skip were to ask if he wanted anything. Beverly J. Shirk will be missed by her loving sister Gail, niece Ann, and nephews David, Christopher, and Skip. Beverly is additionally survived by grandnephews William and Julian. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10:30 AM from the Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory, 618 E. Main Street, Annville with the Rev. Dustin C. Sider, pastor of Fairland Brethren in Christ Church, Cleona officiating. Interment will be in Covenant/Greenwood Cemetery, North Lebanon Twp. Viewing will be held on Thursday form 9:30-10:30 AM prior to the service at the funeral home. PDF Printable Version

Beverly J. Shirk

September 7, 1928 - December 12, 2009