Gladys B. Shaak

Gladys B. (Fitterling) Shaak, 100, formerly of Newmanstown, PA, passed away on March 31st, 2025, at her daughter's home, where she resided.
Born at home on July 27, 1924, in Fritztown, Spring Township, she was the eldest daughter of the late Luke F. and Minerva M. (Miller) Fitterling. She was preceded in death by her husband, Miller P. Shaak, on July 2, 1980.
Gladys attended Wilson High School. She was employed by the National Union Radio Corporation during World War II. After working at several clothing manufacturers, she went on to work at Valley Forge Flag Company for 29 years in the factory and at home as a sewer. She loved sewing and would often alter clothing and make Halloween costumes for her family.
Gladys loved to travel, especially to the beach. She was always going somewhere, whether it was on a bus trip to Atlantic City with her friends from the senior center; trips to Florida, Wildwood, NJ and Ocean City, MD with her family, or just to Blue Marsh Lake or the Tulpehocken Creek to eat lunch. She also loved birds, especially swans and often went to Middlecreek Wildlife Area to watch the snow geese migrations.
Gladys designed her home and was proud of it. She was known as the family organizer. She loved entertaining and hosted many family dinners and card parties. She loved costume jewelry, games and puzzles, smorgasbords and drank a Coca Cola every day. Most of all she adored and shared a very special bond with her twin granddaughters.
She was a member of St. Paul's UCC church, Millbach, where she served as Treasurer and a Sunday school teacher for many years.
Gladys is survived by her daughter Pamela S. (Shaak) Parenti, wife of Domenic M. Parenti, two granddaughters Jill V. (Parenti) Wentzel, wife of Brandon Wentzel, and Carli D. Parenti; and a great granddaughter, Kairi L.Wentzel. Also surviving is a sister, Joyce F. Conrad; several nieces; 2 nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Marian F. Emes, Stanley E. Fitterling, Melvin F. Fitterling, Kenneth G. Fitterling and Lynwood L. Fitterling; brother in laws Richard Emes, George Conrad, Leroy Shaak, and Paul Shaak. Sister in laws Dorothy Fitterling, Mary (Blanchard) Shaak, Edna K. Shaak, Grace Shaak and Edna (Netzley) Shaak, two nephews and special friend Stephen Kilousky.
The family would like to thank family friend Jean Hellenthal, Dr. Elena McCabe and Tower Health at Home for their compassionate care.
Burial will be in St. Paul's UCC Cemetery. As per Gladys' wishes, service and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's UCC Millbach. Lamm & Witman Funeral Home, Wernersville, is handling arrangements.