Darlene Shirk

Darlene (Perry) Shirk was an incredible woman who touched so many lives in her 80 years of life. She was married to her lifelong sweetheart; Norris Shirk for over 60 years until he passed last October. She was a stay-at-home mom for most of our childhood until she got a job at Octorara school as a cook for around 25 years. 

Although she was working never let us go hungry, she would bring home any food that wasn't used and that was nice because we always had food that we could just heat up. Other than working and spending time with the family she enjoyed laying out getting a tan or working out while watching General Hospital Soap Opera. She loved her family with her whole heart and would boast about them to everyone. 

Darlene was the beloved mother to Denise (Shirk) Denning married to Russell Denning and John Shirk married to Kristine (Zimmerman) Shirk, beloved grandmother to Andrea Denning, Rachel (Denning) Harbold married to Alan Harbold, Katelyn (Shirk) Thomas married to Jesse Thomas and Allison (Shirk) Hayes married to Emily Hayes, beloved great-grandmother to Rachel and Alan's children Easton, Jameson with another on the way and Allison and Emily's child Emrys. 

She and Norris spent many weekends hosting sleepovers for their granddaughters, and all the girls would go home wiped out because they couldn't keep up with her. She loved all of us so much and wanted to give us everything she possibly could. She was a role model to many and the most giving person. Her laugh and constant smile will be missed by many.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026, at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, 810 Newport Ave., Gap, Pa, with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.