Obituary – Shirley May Schaefer Dunkelberger
Shirley May Schaefer Dunkelberger, 87 of Centre Hall, Pa passed away due to complications from a stroke on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Susque-View Home Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lock Haven. Shirley was born in York County to Carrie Barley Schaefer and Theodore Schaefer Sr on December 24, 1936.
She attended William Penn High School, graduating in 1954. She married John A Dunkelberger Jr on January 1, 1955. who survives at home. She attended college while raising her children and graduated summa cum laude from Penn State University in 1969 with a BS in Horticulture and was Grand Marshall for her college. (She was proud of the fact that one of her granddaughter’s also was the Grand Marshall for her college). She also had her teaching certificate and substitute taught in local schools.
She and her family were charter members and very active in the Central Pennsylvania Orchid Society. Shirley also was a charter member of the Nittany Valley Chapter of Embroiderers Guild of America of which she held Master Craftsman of Pulled Thread Art and Master Craftsman of Beading Art. Growing up she was part of the Schaefer Family Harmonaires, a musical group that had a radio show in York. She was an accomplished musician. She was an avid flower gardener, enjoyed producing newsletters, and was the champion cheese cake baker of the “known” world.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Judy (Martin) Melville of Centre Hall, sons, John “Jay” (Colleen) Dunkelberger III of Spring Mills, and James Dunkelberger of Lancaster. Grandchildren, Laura (Dave) Carver, Christopher (Donelle) Melville, Elizabeth (Drew Pirrone-Brusse) Melville, and Helen (Jeff Wilkins) Melville, Heidi (Paul) Weaver, Margaret Dunkelberger (Alex Manikas), Martha and fiancé Timothy Breon, John Dunkelberger IV, and five great grandchildren.
Also surviving are her Siblings, Rosalie (Jay) Mayock, Beverly(George) Card, Audrey (Jim) Keller and Theodore (Deby) Schaefer Jr.
Memorial donations may be made to Central Pennsylvania Orchid Society, CPOS, C/O Elizabeth Melville, 477 Nimitz Ave, State College, Pa 16801
A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Gedon Funeral Home & Cremations Services, LLC, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven. Online thoughts and memories can be made at www.gedonfuneralhomes.com and the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook Page.
