Walter

Sheila Irene McCormick Walter died at home in Mercer, Jan. 31, 2022, surrounded by her family after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer.

She was born Feb. 4, 1962, into a very large family of redheads, being number seven of eight siblings in birth order. During her childhood (and most likely in search of privacy), Sheila could often be found reading behind the couch when not running on tiptoes throughout the house, or using her creative flair to concoct various inedible baked goods or craft projects. She was however the best athlete in the family, excelling in swimming, tennis, volleyball, basketball and golf.

A plethora of nuns directed her education at The Blessed Sacrament Cathedral School and Greensburg Central Catholic High School. She was teacher-mom instructed at home, where dad served chipped ham sandwiches and mustered the troops (his children) into participating in political campaigns. These experiences may account for her fierce, progressive and Democratic leanings.

Sheila continued her education at Penn State University, majoring in English, and there met her husband, Carl Walter.

After graduation, she was employed by the Butler Area School District as an English teacher and librarian, but soon found her true calling as a guidance counselor. She then earned her Master of Education degree in secondary counseling. Because of her intellect and empathetic nature, Sheila was well-equipped to mentor and advise a wide array of students with a myriad of issues. She was a sincere and vocal advocate for students and teachers alike.

As her cancer worsened, Sheila retired from counseling and increased her presence on Facebook, highlighting works from female artists, championing underdogs and most prolifically, uploading photos of the apple of Sheila’s eye — granddaughter, Makenzie, surrogate grandsons, Presley and Maverik, and her multitude of great-nieces and great-nephews. As the end drew near, her sister, Mary posted on her behalf. These pictures provided a visual portrayal of Sheila’s full and productive life.

Sheila is survived by her husband, Carlton Walter; her son, Donnie; her granddaughter, Makenzie, and Makenzie’s brothers, Presley and Maverik; her father-in-law, Donald Walter; her sisters, Mary (Don) McNeal and Joan (John) Sweeney; her sister-in-law, Linda McCormick; her brothers, Jake McCormick, Pat (Toni) McCormick and Dick (Kathy) McCormick; Aunt Margaret Sweeney; her sisters-in-law, Carol (Mike) Wallace and Gail (Dan) Durachko; her brother-in-law, Kenneth Walter and their children; as well as Torrie Wroblewski and Tammy Herndon.

Her surviving nieces include Meghan Denny, Emily Saba, Erin Lewis, Melissa Fleming, Colleen McCormick and Susan McCormick.

Her surviving nephews include Patrick and Matthew McNeal, Danny, Brian and Patrick Sweeney and Richard McCormick.

She was preceded in death by her parents, the honorable Richard E. and Beatrice Sweeney McCormick; her mother-in-law, Polly Walter; her sister, Kate Lewis; her brother, Tim McCormick; her nephews, Tim McNeal and David McCormick; as well as her godmother, Helen Dohey.

WALTER — There will be no viewing or funeral at this time for Sheila Irene McCormick Walter, who died Monday, Jan. 31, 2022.

A memorial service is being planned for the spring.

Arrangements were handled by CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.

Please visit www.cunninghamfuneralhomeinc.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.