Shirley Sapper

Shirley (Gersims) Sapper passed from this life on January 28, 2025, and is finally reunited with her husband Jack, who passed away in 2007. She was born in Erie in 1927, the daughter of John and Veronica Gersims. She worked to pay her way through St. Benedict Academy, graduating in 1945. During this time, she helped her dad John (Johann), born in Sparta, Greece, study for his citizenship exam. Veronica and Shirley corresponded with relatives in Bavaria, Germany and sent them copies of Shirley's records.
Shirley was a member of the American Guild of Variety Artists, with numerous contracts as a vocalist. Her stage name was Ronny Sims. Her many appearances included the Golden Chevron, Alcoholics Anonymous-Cascade Clubs, Knights of St. George, Sacred Heart Ushers Club, Sunflower Club, Polish Foresters, all in Erie. Her contract with the Moose Club in Conneaut, Ohio, paid her $8.50 (1947) (currently $108.00) for one night. Her dream was to appear on the Lawrence Welk show.
She met her husband John (Jack) Sapper while working at GTE (now Verizon). After they married and had children, she was a full-time mom volunteering in Blessed Sacrament parish activities, continuing to sing both at church and in the Erie Philharmonic. Her husband Jack also was in the Philharmonic and they performed together. When she retired from Verizon they traveled overseas to Lourdes, France and Fatima, Portugal. Fatima is where the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus appeared for 6 months to 3 children who were tending their sheep (Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia). While in Fatima in 1999, Shirley performed at Sister Lucia's residence. Years later, Shirley retired from the Philharmonic, having sung with them for decades.
Favorite memories include Shirley singing Bach/Gounod's Ave Maria at her daughter Barbara's wedding and performing Carmina Burana, Cantata, with her daughter Barbara when they were both in the Philharmonic. Shirley also made a CD for her children still sounding as good in her 80's as she did in her younger days. She continues to sing for her fellow residents at Sara Reed Senior Living.
She is survived by her children Kathleen Sapper Dodge (Robert MN), Barbara Sapper Burke (James AZ), Kevin J. Sapper, Erie, PA, 3 grandchildren (Matthew, Patrick and Sean), and 1 great grandchild (Elijah). Her son Kevin keeps the music alive by playing trumpet with the Breeze Band in Erie.
Friends may call on Thursday, February 6, from 11 a.m. until the time of a service at 1p.m. at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th St. at Greengarden Blvd. Entombment will follow at the Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials in her honor can be made to Erie Philharmonic, Humane Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Second Harvest Food Bank. Condolences may be expressed at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com. Read about Shirley's singing career at https://eriehistory.catalogaccess.com/archives/43332