Shirley Ann (Sowers) Dennis

Shirley Ann (Sowers) Dennis, age 87, of Harborcreek, PA. passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at UPMC Hamot.

She was born on July 17, 1936 in Brookville, PA. the daughter of  Wilson J. and Ethel L. (Uplinger) Sowers.

She was a resident of Harborcreek, PA. for 69 years and graduated from Lawrence Park High School in1954 and Mercyhurst College.

Throughout her professional career, Shirley was employed by the Erie County Edmund L. Thomas Adolescent Center, Sarah Reed Retirement Center, Trask Prescott and Richardson Department Store, and G.C. Murphy Five and Dime Stores in Erie, Pa.

From an early age, Shirley had a love of music. She mastered the organ and piano and provide private piano lessons to many students in her home. She served as the Church Organist for the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Lamb of God Lutheran Church, and Lawrence Park Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.

Shirley enjoyed china painting and quilting and was an avid collector of dolls, buttons, cookbooks, and stamps.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 58 years, Andrew Dennis.

Shirley is survived by her children, Deborah Hurlbert (Jon Minard) of Apple Valley, Ohio, Wendell Dennis (Marya) of Bowie, Maryland, and David Dennis (Ruth) of North East; grandchildren, Rev. Philip Hurlbert (Danita) of North Royalton, Ohio, Justin Hurlbert (Laura) of Sunbury, Ohio, Allison Dennis (Cory Krause) of Fairfax, Virginia; great-grandchildren Aubrey, Joel, Kaden, Kalyn, Mabel and Verity; and her feline companions, Mitzy and Karma.

Shirley's family would like to thank her home caregivers, Jen, Corrina, Char, and Mary for their patience, professionalism, and loving care. Also a heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Elmwood Gardens and UPMC Hamot for their compassion and kindness to both Shirley and her family.

Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Service at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East on Monday October 23rd at 1:00 p.m. followed by a Graveside Service at North East Cemetery. Officiating the service is her grandson, Rev. Philip Hurlbert of the State Road Community Church of the Nazarene. Memorials may be made to WQLN Public Broadcasting, 8425 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com

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