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Shirley Lerch Obituary
She was born in Oil City to the late Fred and Mary Gallagher and grew up in Kane, graduating from Kane High School. On Nov. 22, 1957, she married the love of her life, Ron Lerch, at St. Callistus Church in Kane.
In her early years, Shirley worked as a telephone operator for Pennsylvania Bell Telephone. Later, she found her calling at St. Bernard's Grade School cafeteria, where she touched the lives of countless Bradford children with her kindness, warm smile and loving spirit. Students fondly remember her cheerful presence, the sing-song call for ""Hamburg gravy and mashed potatoes,"" and the baked treats she served with genuine care.
She is survived by her husband, Ron; children, Mary Hamer, Paul (Char) Lerch and Mark Lerch; and grandchildren, Elizabeth, Matthew, Sarah, Michael and Ryan.
Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Lerch; and infant grandson, Stevie.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday (Aug. 14, 2025) at St. Bernard Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Children International, Kansas City, Mo., or St. Bernard Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Lerch
4 Entries
Judy MacCabe
August 14, 2025
Hugs to the Lerch Family! Shirley was my dad's first cousin. He was Dick Gatesman. Shirley came to both my dad & mom's services! Mary - I hope you have the comfort of Jesus as you grieve! Take good care of your daddy!
Audrey (Onuffer) Giordano
August 14, 2025
Mary,
Sorry to hear about your mother. Thinking of you and your family and sending lots of prayers.
Mary (McAndrew) Quinlisk
August 13, 2025
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I hope your memories of her bring all of you some comfort. Sending prayers for all of you.
Mary (Roche)Morgan
August 12, 2025
Dear Mary,
So sorry for your loss. I worked with your mother at St. Bernard's many years ago as well as knowing her from when we were in school at BCCHS. Thinking of you and your family at this time.
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