Shirley J Zoch

Shirley J. Zoch, 87, a 47-year resident of Sunbury, passed away on April 24, 2017.  She happily resided at Riverfront Apartments for the past five years.

She was born on November 30, 1929 in Detroit, MI and was lovingly raised by a small 'village' of family members, including her kind and loving grandmother, Julia Brzozowski, from whom she learned much about love, life and kindness and to make the best of what you had.  Her stepfather, Charles Toms, remained a faithful, supportive and loving presence throughout the remainder of his life.

On December 23, 1948, Shirley married John R. Zoch, the love of her life -- "a handsome, charming, witty man, with whom she was immediately smitten".  They lived in Detroit and later in Pontiac, MI until relocating to Sunbury in 1970.  In their 46 years of marriage, Shirley believed that her "greatest contributions in life were their five children, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren," with a ninth arriving in October 2017.

John preceded Shirley in death on July 10, 1994 and she also sadly suffered the loss of two of her children, daughter Paula Knoebel in 2011 and son Charles Zoch (Jayne) in 2012.

Shirley is survived by stepson John Zoch, Jr. (Helen), daughter Karen Kidwell (Roger), daughter (and Mom's 'lifeline' as she so lovingly referred to her) Laurie Fetterman (Grady), son David Zoch (Kim).  Her grandchildren are Brandon Barnhart, Matt (Michelle) Fetterman, Adam Knoebel, Lauren Christiansen, Amanda Eberhart, Kristin Fetterman, and Jordan, Catelyn and Brandon Zoch.  She is survived as well by dear great-nieces Lisa Hodge and Jennifer Basiliko and cousin Julia Bacsa Yerke.

Shirley will always be remembered for her fortitude, strength in the face of adversity, wisdom, unfailing love, and quick wit.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, including many friends in her extended circle who also knew her as 'Mom'. She enjoyed quilting with the Piecemakers Quilters Guild in Lewisburg. She was a religious education teacher at St. Monica Church where she was a member.

Friends will be received from 10 to 11 am. on Friday at the David T. Zweier Funeral Home 157 Chestnut St., Sunbury, PA followed by a memorial service at 11 am with Rev. Fred Wagwe AJ officiating.  Interment will be atthe convenience of the family at All Saints Cemetery in Danville, PA.

Memorial contributions in Shirley's memory may be made to Sun Home Health & Hospice 61 Water St. Northumberland, PA 17857, whose loving care and support in Shirley's final weeks were so very appreciated, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Condolences may be made at davidzweierfuneralhome.com

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