Shirley Mae Laughery McGuire, age 80, of Waterford, took ill suddenly and passed away on Friday morning, February 1, 2013. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who always put others first and made family memories a priority.
Born in Bloomfield Township on April 9, 1932, Shirley was a twin daughter of the late Wayne and Lorna Phelps Laughery. After high school, she attended business school and worked for a few years as a bank teller at the former Security Peoples Trust in Erie. Then, for 20 years, she was employed as the bookkeeper for the Waterford Municipal Authority.
While she was a skilled bookkeeper, her main love and interest was always her family. On August 4, 1956, she married Richard H. McGuire, and together they raised a family of five children. Shirley made sure that her children had everything they needed to get started on a good course in life, and she also kept her home open to welcome friends at any time. When grandchildren came along, she retired from work so that she could babysit and be involved in each of their lives. Shirley loved being a grandma and cherished all the family gatherings and vacations that will forever be remembered by her surviving family.
Shirley enjoyed puzzles and playing solitaire, and she had quite a collection of angels. She was a member of Summit United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Richard H. McGuire; five children– Kathy Dylewski (Jim) of Summit Township, Cheryl Lavery (Bill) and Mary Owens (Jeff), all of Waterford, Roger McGuire of Erie, and Karen Lerch (Edward) of Edinboro; 16 grandchildren– Dr. Allison Dylewski (Daniel Boyer), Dr. James Dylewski, Nick Dylewski and Andrew Dylewski; Brandon and Kayla Lavery; Darrell Owens (Heather), Danielle Himes (Michael), Devin, Deanna, Dillon, Darla, and Donovan Owens; Brianne, Alex, and Nathan Lerch; and two great-grandchildren– Alanna Boyer and Noah Dylewski. She is further survived by her twin sister, Shirley Louise Lichtinger (William) of Erie; her brother, Edward Laughery (Julia) of Union City; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 p.m., and then on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will take place at Summit United Methodist Church on Tuesday morning at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Patterson officiating. The burial will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
Memorial donations are encouraged to be made to Summit United Methodist Church, 1510 West Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509.
To Mary and your entire family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy at the loss of your dear mother. If there is anything the Staff at Conelway can do for you, please let us know. Many prayers and thoughts are being sent your way.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time.
My condolences to Shirley’s family. You were all loved so much by her. On my weekly visits, I got to hear of how special you all were to her, from stories of grandchildren progressing through school and colllege to plans of a holiday get togethers or cruises. She blessed all with her presence and will be missed.