Obituaries
Shirley Peifer McMinn, 85
December 03, 2020
Shirley Peifer McMinn, 85, of East Petersburg, passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2020. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late John H. Peifer, Jr. and Margaret Desher Peifer.
Shirley graduated from Manheim Township High School and Linden Hall Junior College, and then earned her Bachelor and Master of Education Degrees from Millersville University. Mrs. McMinn was a beloved first grade teacher at East Petersburg Elementary School for twenty-six years until she retired in 1996, mentoring hundreds of students with her compassion and love for teaching children.
A member of Highland Presbyterian Church, Shirley was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, former member of the Lancaster Country Club, Meals on Wheels, the Junior League, the Planning Commission of East Petersburg, and the Hempfield Education Association. She also was a Life Member of the Lancaster County Pennsylvania Association of Retired Teachers.
She is survived by her daughter Victoria McMinn Socie of Lancaster, a brother, John H. Peifer, III, of Lancaster, and her two grandsons, Christopher Charles Socie and Craig Anthony Socie, Jr., both of Philadelphia. She is predeceased by W. Charles McMinn III. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom she adored.
An old Irish proverb that meant a lot to her was “Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal but love leaves a memory that no one can steal.”
Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if desired, contributions may be made in her memory to the Humane League, 2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA. 17602 or to Four Diamonds @ Penn State Children’s Hospital, 1249 Cocoa Avenue, Suite 115, Hershey, PA 17033-0852.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
December 09, 2020
Dear Vickie and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
East Petersburg has lost one of its finest ladies. Shirley McMinn was the very best first grade teacher any parent could wish for their child! Our family was blessed to have her teach all three of our children. Shirley taught all her students so much more than the Hempfield curriculum. She taught them respect, kindness, love of learning, and so much more. We will miss her.
Mike and Sue Wildasin
December 08, 2020
Mrs McMinn was my first grade teacher in 1985. I was new to East Pete that year and she gave such a sweet welcome. I still remember how she would call for “Happy Thought Time” after we opened the school day with the announcements and Pledge. I saw her last year and as I reintroduced myself to her I watched her go back through the roster of children she had through the years and was so touched when she remembered me (and the rest of the Funck family). I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. I will remember her fondly!
Barb (Funck) Book
December 07, 2020
Vickie I was so sorry to read about your mother’s passing. I remember her fondly from my Nick days. I too am any only child and I remember how hard it was to get through her death. I will always need my mother! So- I am sending hugs to you and just know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this awful time! Love- Dee
December 07, 2020
Mrs. McMinn was my 1st-grade teacher and my neighbor growing up in East Petersburg. She was always so kind and had a wonderful spirit full of acceptance and joy. I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing her in person recently but enjoyed the way we interacted on Facebook. It warmed my heart when she “liked” or “loved” a photo of my family. It made me feel like she was still a virtual neighbor of mine. She will be missed.
Debbie Rhoads Crawford
December 07, 2020
My love to all of Shirley’s family. A bright shining star is no longer with us but that star will be up there for us all to see.
Chris Resh
December 06, 2020
Shirley was my first grade teacher 45 years ago and a good friend of my mother Sally, who passed in 1993. She was a sweet person, memorable teacher, and a fixture of East Petersburg where I grew up. I was glad I was able to drop in on her and say hello after many years a few years ago, it was wonderfu to see her and to chat for an hour or so. It was also nice to be able to keep in touch via Facebook…and to share pictures and messages. She’ll be sorely missed by many. My sincerest condolences to Vicki and the rest of the family. Please know we’re thinking of you.
Sincerely,
Chris Wagner
December 06, 2020
HI I’m Mike Milliken, her student and neighbor. The picture is EXACTLY how I remember her! I think the Irish proverb written is wonderful. We didn’t know how fortunate we were (are). I appreciate her and the life she lived. I hope you are at peace as well as she is. What a great person and life she held. I’m proud of her:)PS. Thank you vikki for letting me buy the car and being fun. It’s been a great move in my world and I have only had one thing suspicious happen. I found a fresh screw ticking away in one tire. It didn’t leave me stranded, and still hasn’t leaked any air. It happened on the 3rd on the way out of a doctors appointment 8/. Hope you are doing great.
December 06, 2020
So sorry to hear about Shirley’s passing. I was the “other” Shirley in her high school class and we were friends. I saw her a few times after I moved back to PA, after being gone for a long time, in 2014. I now live in McKinney, Texas.
Shirley D. Ware
December 06, 2020
Shirley and I were classmates at Manheim Twp beginning at Brecht School. I always looked up
to her as she was a beautiful person inside and out. We had so many fun times together, times
I shall never forget. In later years we formed a luncheon group and picked up where we left
off. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Jean Rohrer
December 06, 2020
Shirley was my neighbor for many years. She was the nicest person and we used to have some good laughs. She used to have a beautiful yellow lab, Riley. She will be greatly missed.
Pat Bunting
December 06, 2020
I am reaching out to you as Shirley’s family. I have been her minister since my arrival at Highland Church in 2007. She and I talked by telephone several times this year as she was unable to leave her home. Shirley has been a very long and faithful member here at Highland Church. If there is anything that Highland Church, or I (as her minister), can do to support you as her family, please get in touch with me. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this bittersweet time of mourning and celebration.
Rev. Dr. Ann Osborne, Minister of Congregational Care
December 06, 2020
Dear Vicki,
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. I am saddened with reading of your mom’s passing; I have many childhood memories of being with you and Shirley. My mom and dad send their condolences as well.
Paula Bomberger Formica
December 05, 2020
Mrs. McMinn was my first grade teacher in the late 70’s. She was amazing and I always remember her with fond memories. She meant so much to the East Petersburg Elementary community. A life well lived. Condolences to her family.
Chris Frank
