Shelly Mott Verber

Shelly Mott Verber, 75, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 17, 2025. Shelly was born on October 1, 1950, to Howard and Delora (Fowler) Mott and grew up in Falls Church, Virginia.
She is survived by her husband Stephen Verber; her son Michael and his wife, Kelly, and their two daughters, Vivian and Charlotte; her son Mark and his wife, Kate, and their two sons, Bennett and Sebastian; and her son Matthew Verber. Also surviving are her sisters Maria (Pat) Seferovich, Rebecca (Dave) Maguire, and brother Howard (Elizabeth) Mott, Jr., as well as lots of beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her aunt, Elizabeth "Lover" Mott, with whom she was very close.

Shelly graduated from Jeb Stuart High School in 1968 before going on to nursing school at The Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. It was there that she would meet her husband, Steve, who was a dental student at the time. They were married in 1971, and the two would graduate in 1972, Shelly with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

After leaving Richmond, they spent two years at Fort Campbell, Kentucky where Shelly worked as a registered nurse while Steve served as a Captain in the U.S. Army. In 1974, they chose to settle in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania because it was halfway between their childhood homes in Northern Virginia and upstate New York. They would continue to meet in the middle for the next fifty years.

They had a love that was both lasting and without limit. Their relationship exuded both warmth and strength that was carried out with kindness and courage. More than just husband and wife, they were true partners and collaborators in everything they did - as parents, professionals, and pillars in their community. At every turn, Shelly's role was not only integral, it was essential. They started Verber Family Dentistry together, and as the practice grew, so too would Shelly's role as business manager of the practice.

Family was always the most important thing to Shelly. You will never meet a more devoted wife, dedicated mother, caring aunt, or adoring Nana. Above all, Shelly was the consummate caretaker – and it shined through in everything she did. No matter what relationship you had with her, she epitomized what it meant to be a caretaker. She was whatever you needed her to be – without question or hesitation.

For Shelly, self-sacrifice came both naturally and intentionally. The only time she put herself before others was to protect them. Shelly did more than stand by you, she stood for you. She never said "no" to those she loved, and she never took "no" for an answer when advocating on their behalf. Shelly was a force of nature with a friendly face, and it was always unwise to underestimate her. She simply never gave up on anyone she loved.

Shelly took immense pleasure and pride in the indispensable role she played in supporting her three son's unique personalities and paths. However, what she appreciated most was what they share - an interest in family and community that she modeled and instilled. Her spirit of caretaking will be more than remembered, it will be embodied by her sons who have found a way to incorporate her commitment to healing, helping, teaching, and advocacy in their life and work.

While Shelly lived to be a mother, she was born to be a Nana. Her grandchildren were the absolute light and delight of her life. After babysitting, evidence of Shelly's affection would be quite apparent by the numerous smudges of her lipstick, or "Nana bites" as she called them, left behind on her grandchildren's cheeks.

Shelly's many great qualities were both easy to see, and yet hard to describe. She just had a way about her that you had to experience to understand. She never had to draw attention to herself in order to be the center of it. She lit up a room, and people were simply drawn to her like no other. She was naturally beautiful and intuitively smart. She was thoroughly genuine and abundantly generous. Her pride was always earned and equally balanced with humility. Those who met her were enamored with her, and those who knew her admired her.

Shelly's laugh came so easily and often that her family, only half-jokingly, liked to say that she should be hired as the "laugh track" for television shows. She took joy from the simplest of things, but truly delighted even more in giving it to others. Shelly gets credit as the source of endless smiles - from the ones she so frequently displayed to those she so effortlessly brought out in others. In fact, even the mere mention of Shelly's name was sure to elicit a smile. Certainly, this will not change.

Shelly was thoughtful and loyal and was fortunate to cherish many longtime friendships as a result. She enjoyed being a part of many social groups from the neighborhood Bunco Babes to the Violas.

Shelly loved to travel, and she and Steve took many cruises and trips throughout Europe and other parts of the world. However, her favorite vacation destination was Bethany Beach, Delaware, or "BB" as she liked to call it. They would go several times a year, and what she loved most was that it was a place that brought the whole family together.

A perfect day for Shelly would start off with a long walk in the morning, followed by hours on the beach with the sun on her face, sand between her toes, and a good book in her hands. In the evening, she enjoyed a Cosmo and crab cakes for dinner out with the family, before go-karts or mini golf. It didn't matter which - she would be first in line for both. Then, definitely a stop for ice cream, where she was likely to inquire about the Rocky Road, then order something else. Finally, she would be cuddled on the floor with her grandkids, atop chaise lounge cushions and under a blanket, watching an 80's movie. All of them giggling as they fought over the Fisher's caramel popcorn. Fortunately, Shelly had many of those perfect days.

It was in the face of adversity that Shelly truly shined. This was never more apparent than when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2003. As difficult as it was, she took the news in stride - quite literally. She started her own MS Walk team, called the MS Fighters, and spearheaded an effort that raised several hundred thousand dollars. The MS Fighters would become one of the top walk teams in the country, and Shelly would serve on the board of the Central Pennsylvania chapter of the National MS Society for many years. She lived with MS for decades - vocal in her advocacy and silent about her struggle. She was an amazing ambassador for a cause greater than herself and a tireless supporter for so many she never met.

As the challenges related to Shelly's health grew, Steve's commitment to her care and every need was never tested, only proven. He honored her with action and protection, and her greatest comfort came from his presence. She found safety and solace by his side, and completion from holding his hand. During the toughest times, the consummate caretaker would herself experience what it meant to be deeply and thoroughly cared for.

Shelly was a true MS Fighter until the very end, and while she never surrendered, she did ultimately succumb to complications from the disease. She passed as she chose to live, surrounded by family and holding Steve's hand. Shelly lived fiercely and loved freely - and will absolutely be missed beyond measure.
Shelly's family is planning to host a public event in the spring to celebrate Shelly's life. A private funeral for family members will be held on Sunday, October 19.
Arrangements are under the care of the Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home, 3125 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17109.
To send condolences or to share memories with the family, please go to BitnerCares.com.
In lieu of flowers, please send a charitable contribution to the National MS Society (P.O. Box 91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891) or online at nationalmssociety.org.