Lillian R. Shermer

Lillian R. Shermer passed away on Friday evening, July 5, 2024, at Green Ridge Village, Newville, PA, after battling peritoneal mesothelioma for almost four years. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, George Shermer, and son, Mark Shermer. Born in Hamtramck, MI, Lillian moved to Hazleton, PA, as a teenager where she met the love of her life, George. George and Lillian lived in the Harrisburg area until they moved near State College during retirement.

Lillian celebrated her 93rd birthday on April 7 of this year. Lillian was the daughter of Anna and Joseph Wesgaites (Visgaitis) and was affectionately known as “Clara” by some of her relatives.

Lillian is survived by her sister, Frances Heckert; daughters, Lori Shermer and Susan Shermer (Mel Woolf); granddaughters, Sara Roman (Peter) and Rebekah Woolf Hirsch (Reuben); and three great-grandchildren, Delilah and Marcus Hirsch, and Asher Roman.

Lillian was a devoted mother, serving as a cub scout den mother and active PTA volunteer—even starting the first ‘library’ at the back of the stage at Fishing Creek Elementary in the late 1950s. Although she didn’t consider herself to be artistic, she won many neighborhood prizes for her Christmas decorations and children’s Halloween costumes. 

Lillian loved to travel with George and visited her favorite national park, Yellowstone, as often as possible. She instilled a love of travel and nature in her children.

Lillian will be interred at Fort Indiantown Gap with her husband, George.

Memorial contributions can be made to the non-profit, Yellowstone Forever (her favorite park) at Yellowstone.org or PO Box 1857, Bozeman MT 59771-1857, or to any organization that supports animals (especially kitties!).