Geraldine "Shirley" W. Van Art

Geraldine ‘Shirley’ W. Van Art, 94, of Lewistown, formerly of Locke Mills Road and Coleman House Apartments, passed away Thursday, May 13, 2021 at William Penn Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center.

Born May 23, 1926, in Burnham, she was a daughter of the late Harry E. and Edna M. (Lyter) White.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Clair W. Van Art, who passed October 2, 1991; a son, Gerald Van Art; and a sister, Zelda Herritt.

She is survived by children, Stephen C. Van Art, of Philippines, Lynne E. Dutcher, of Milroy, Alan W. Van Art and wife, Staci, of Burnham; grandchildren, Christian S. Van Art; Joshua C. Dutcher; Elise L. Dutcher, and Kimberly A. Dutcher; and a great-granddaughter, Adrien G. Kline.

Geraldine was a 1944 graduate of Burnham High School and a graduate of Thompson Business Institute.

She was a member of Walnut Street United Methodist Church for over 80 years.  She was a member of the United Methodist Women for over 70 years and held many offices for UMW including President of the State College District.  She was a long-time Youth and Adult Women’s Sunday School teacher as well as a lay speaker.

In her earlier years, Geraldine was an active member of her community. She served as a member of the Milroy Homemakers, Siglerville Men’s Club, United Methodist Women, Burnham High School Alumni Association, and a Madame Chair of the Residents’ Association at the Coleman House.

Shirley was a driven businesswoman and sold Avon in her earlier years. She enjoyed painting and crafting, a trait she passed down to and shared with her children and grandchildren.  She enjoyed travelling to the Outer Banks with friends and family.  

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, 108 First Ave., Burnham, with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m., with Reverend Karen McCachren officiating.

Interment will be held at Birch Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Geraldine’s memory may be made to Walnut Street United Methodist Church, 203 N Walnut St, Burnham, PA 17009.

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