Obituary of Shirley M. Gohringer

Shirley M. Gohringer

1927 – 2023

Clinton – Shirley M. Gohringer, 96, of Clinton, passed away Monday, September 25, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica.

            Shirley was born June 16, 1927 in Utica, the daughter of Stanley and Catherine (Cheney) Peeling.  She was raised and educated in Utica, attending St. Joseph’s Elementary School, Utica Free Academy, and then business school.  On March 30, 1946, Shirley married her childhood sweetheart and soulmate, Richard (Dick) Gohringer.  They had always said God had made them for each other.  Shirley was a stay-at-home Mom until Dick’s untimely passing in 1981.  She then went to work for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and later for UFCW Local 1 Union, retiring in 1993.  She was the recipient of the YWCA “Woman of the Year” Award in 1993.  After her retirement, Shirley devoted herself to taking care of her mother until her passing in 1995.  She then joined the Hospice Journey Together walking group.  In 1996, Shirley met a very special friend, Michael Palmeiro.  They shared a very special relationship until his passing in 2009.

            Shirley was a devoted catholic with exceptional faith that helped her through her life.  She was a member of the Church of the Annunciation in Clark Mills and their Altar Rosary Society for over 50 years.  Shirley was a Hospice volunteer, a member of the Moose Lodge, of the American Legion, and of the Westmoreland Seniors Club.

            Shirley is survived by her daughter, Darlene Wiley, California; her son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Diane Gohringer, North Carolina; five granddaughters, Suzan Anderson, Jaylene Bellentone, Valerie (& Mark) Beerbower, Meghan Vergara, Cassalyn Gohringer; eleven great-grandchildren, Lauren, Allysa, William, & Scott Anderson, Andrew Pepper-Anderson, Katherine, Millie, Alice & Aiden Beerbower, Ryan Vergara, & Mason Garcia.  Besides her husband, Dick, her parents, Stanley and Catherine, and her special friend, Michael, Shirley was predeceased by many dear friends and family members, including her childhood friend, Catherine LaBounty, who she thought of as a sister.

            Mrs. Gohringer’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Church of the Annunciation in Clark Mills, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.  Interment will follow in Crown Hill Memorial Park, Clinton.  Relatives and friends are invited to call at R.P. Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., 10 East Park Row, Clinton, Monday evening, from 4 – 7 pm.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Shirley’s memory.

            Online memorial and guestbook available at www.rpheintzfsi.com.