Obituary

Shirk, Josephine (Joyce) Helen, 91, Vintondale, PA, passed away peacefully October 19, 2013 at home surrounded by her family and friends. She was born November 12, 1921, in Johnstown, daughter of John and Mary Louise (Popchak) Homola. Preceeded in death by parents; brothers, William, Victor and John; sister, Margaret; and granddaughter, Georgia. Survived by husband, George H. Shirk of Vintondale, PA, which will separate a union of 69 years of marriage as of November 7, 1944. She is also survived by sisters Mary Louise Christoffels, Tewksbury, MA; Genevieve Feschenko, Youngstown, OH; brothers Robert Homola, South Fork, PA; and Raymond Homola, Tewksbury, MA; and five daughters, Arleen Shirk of Vintondale, PA; Carol, wife of John Mitchell, Vintondale, PA; Kathy, wife of Jonathan Kessler, Oakland, MD; Tami, wife of Rex King, Somerville, CT; and Tracy, wife of Eric Nagle, Twin Rocks, PA; and six grandchildren: Kelly, married to Matthew Marines, Melissa, married to Gregory Dishong, Krystyn, married to Eric Farabaugh, Justin King, Neil Dugan and girlfriend Jessica Yarnal, and Garrett Nagle; and eight great-grandchildren: Jacob, Madison and Ethen Marines; Mitchell, Dylan and Katerina Dishong, and Grant and Kenadee Farabaugh.
Joyce was a former member of the Overbrook United Methodist Church in Johnstown. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She enjoyed gardening, planting flowers, and knitting even at the age of 91.
By request, there will be no viewing. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to: YouCaring.com for “Kochis Kids College Fund”; or to Carol Mitchell to be directed to the Fund. Arrangements in care of the Hindman Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc., 146 Chandler Ave. “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com.