Shirley J. Minnick

1931 - 2017

Shirley J. Minnick of West Chester, PA Shirley J. Minnick passed away April 10, 2017 at the age of 85 following a brief illness. Born in Johnstown, PA on July 22, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Earl Wagner and the late Mary Jane Harbay Wagner. Shirley was a graduate of the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh. She worked for many years in a hospital setting then later as a substitute school nurse. She was the wife of the late Kenneth Lee Minnick, with whom she shared 45 years of marriage, before his death in November 1998. For over 45 years, she was a member of the Chester County Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, serving as Auxiliary President from 1975-1977. Shirley was also Chairman for Chester County Hospital Bulletin, May Festival, and Chester County Day, just to name a few. Over the past 10 years, she enjoyed volunteering in TCCH Human Resources Office and more recently the main Reception Desk. Shirley was an extremely generous person and a fiercely loyal mother and friend. She was a constant caregiver from an early age when she helped raise her brother. She went on to raise five children and help raise two grandchildren. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester. She is survived by her children Gretchen Howell (Michael), Douglas Minnick (Nancy Wood), Suzanne Minnick, and Rebecca Geracie (Richard); siblings Earl Wagner and Florence Brant; grandchildren Victoria Howell, Zachary Minnick, Sean Howell, Colin Minnick, J. Bradford Geracie and Kathryn Geracie. She was preceded in death by her son, Bradford Minnick. Private Graveside Services will be held in Birmingham-Lafayette Cemetery, West Chester. A celebration of her life is scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Chester County Hospital Foundation, 701 E. Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380. Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com.