Shirley Ann Somerville

Shirley Ann Somerville, 72, of Cherry Tree, entered into eternal peace with her

Heavenly Father on Wednesday, December 6 after a 6 month courageous battle from a stroke at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown. Born October 11, 1945 at Indiana Hospital, she was the daughter of George and Helen (Zuray) Long. Shirley attended Alverda Elementary School and graduated from Penns Manor High School in 1963. After graduation, she attended Dorinda S Beauty School in Indiana, where she met her lifelong friend, Jeanie who later introduced her to her lifelong soulmate.

On March 14, 1964, Shirley was united in marriage with Darl “Pete” Somerville, devoted to each other

for 53 years of unconditional love. After marriage, Shirley was a homemaker who enjoyed

cooking and baking. Some of the greatest gifts that she could give others came from her

kitchen, her smile, and her uplifting spirit.

Once her children were in school, Shirley began working in the cafeteria at Harmony Area

School District. She worked to become the manager of the cafeteria and continued there until

retirement. She knew each child by name and brightened their day with her smile and kind

words. No child went hungry or without a milk with Shirley’s bottomless pocket of spare

change.

Shirley’s proudest achievements were the three children that her and Darl nurtured and loved.

Shirley was always involved with her children's activities. She spent many days as a scout

leader, band booster mom, Sunday School Teacher and was always on the sidelines cheering

her children on, with her seat cushions, at their music and sporting events. Then, she became

Nee Nee to her 10 grandchildren. Shirley spent countless days on the porch swing with each

baby rocking and singing.

Shirley was an active and very involved member of Calvary Evangelical Church in Cherry Tree, for many decades. Her Church family was as important to her as her immediate family with

all treated as relatives to Shirley. She spent many years as Sunday school teacher spreading

her smile and God’s love to many young people entering her classroom as well as those

passing by her classroom door. Many were blessed by her infectious smile and hymn singing

voice inspired by the Holy Spirit guiding her to spread God’s love from her heart in speech and

song witnessing to all.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Darl, children Brian,

married to Linda (Hoover) of Johnstown; Steven, Mechanicsburg; Sherri married to Mark Rose, Pennsylvania Furnace; and Grandchildren; Carolyn, Taylor,

Hannah, Alana, Isaac, Naomi, Lindsay, Eli, Logan, and Adam. She is also survived by her

mother, Helen Long, Akron, Ohio; brothers Richard and Bill Long, Akron, Ohio; and sister

Rosemary and husband, Charlie Smith, Port Arthur, Texas

She was preceded in death by her father, George Long and father and mother in law, Clarence

and Sylvia Somerville.

 Friends will be received Sunday, December 10th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Long Contres Funeral Home, Inc., Northern Cambria and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at Calvary Evangelical Church in Cherry Tree, Rd where a celebration of life will occur at 11:00 a.m. Pastors Cliff Pearsall and Mike Knepp will officiate. Interment East Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and at Shirley’s request, donations may be made to Harmony Area School District Cafeteria Fund in Shirley’s giving memory.

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