SHIRLEY T. HAMER

Shirley T. Hamer, 97, slipped away peacefully at Crozer Health Hospice in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020.

Born in Roaring Spring, Shirley was the daughter of the late Harry W. and Mattie B. Thompson. Shirley's seven siblings – Frederick, Raymond, Kenneth, Joseph, Margaret, Janet Thompson, and Nadine Ovalman – preceded her in death.

Shirley often said World War II changed her life. It did. She entered the cadet nurse program at Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia, became a registered nurse and lived in the Philadelphia area the rest of her life. During the war she corresponded with Bill Hamer, the love of her life, who was a Navy Seabee in the South Pacific. Bill and Shirley were both from Roaring Spring where their shared sense of faith and family began. They married in 1948 and settled in Philadelphia. Following the birth of their son Joseph in 1954, they moved to Ridley Park. In 1971, Shirley's life changed yet again with the death of her beloved Bill. She honored and cherished the memories made with Bill all the days of her life.

Shirley possessed an indomitable spirit that served her well in her lifetime. A lover of music Shirley held season tickets to the Philadelphia Orchestra and attended opera performances in Philadelphia and New York. Shirley appreciated literature and poetry. She would often quote Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Evangeline. Traveling to Nova Scotia, Maine and the National Parks were among her favorite destinations.

Shirley practiced nursing at Taylor Hospital and worked in the health office at Reliance Insurance Company until her retirement in 1988. She was an active member of the Norwood Methodist Church.

Shirley is survived by her son, Joseph W. (Anne M. Pittinger) Hamer Jr., grandson, Joseph W. Hamer, III, sister-in-law Christine Thompson and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery in Roaring Spring for Shirley to be buried next to her beloved Bill.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Norwood Methodist Church, 315 Chester Pike, Norwood, PA 19074; or the Roaring Spring Community Library, 320 E. Main St., Roaring Spring, PA 16673.