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Lila "Pearl" Shirk, 96, a lifelong resident of Lock Haven, passed away on Sept. 25, 2026.
She was born Feb. 13, 1930, in Lock Haven, a daughter of the late Arnold J. and Carrie Mae Womeldorf.
Pearl began working at a very young age and was employed at several businesses and factories in and around the Lock Haven area. These included Brickley's Ice Cream Plant, Barry's Hat Shop, Kay & Turner's Drug Store, The Armature Plant, Sylvania, Millheim Hosiery, Bobbi Brooks and Shirk's Bar.
From 1962-1972 she owned a dairy farm in Clintondale. In 1972 she completed Licensed Practical Nursing school and was employed by Susque-View Home Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, retiring after 30 years of service. She worked as a private duty nurse.
Pearl enjoyed traveling with friends and family and also enjoyed reading and putting jigsaw puzzles together. She was skilled at cards, board games, Bingo and Pokeno, playing often with family and friends. She also played at the Senior Centers in both Mill Hall and Lock Haven as well as at Kephart Plaza, and winning MOST of the time!
She loved animals, especially her many "Granddogs."
Pearl is survived by her children, Cindy Hackett, of Toronto, Ohio, Donald Barner (Mary), of Vineland, N.J., Dianne Barner, also of Vineland, N.J., Judy Chapman (Tom), of Boalsburg, Pa., John T. Shirk, Jr. (Vesty), of Hampton, Va., and James Shirk (Linda Williams), of Pensacola, Fla.
In addition to her children, she is survived by her daughter-in-law, Eileen Barner, of Vineland, N.J., 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two husbands, John T. Shirk and Harold J. Barner; a son, Richard H. Barner; a grandson, Sean Barner; and four sisters, Meda Bonnell, Madeline Hull, Alice June Shaffer and Eileen Killinger.
There will be no services. Internment at Rest Haven Memorial Park will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gedon Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, LLC, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven.
Thoughts and memories can be made at the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook page or www.GedonFuneralHomes.com