Mershimer

Bessie Lillian Mershimer, 94, of Evans City, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving children on Friday, May 9, 2025, after living a long and fulfilling life rooted in faith, family and service.

Bessie was born on July 3, 1930, in Butler, and was the daughter of the late Ralph and Helen McCormick Burr. She was raised on a small farm in Connoquenessing, where she loved to work beside her siblings tending to the animals, crops and garden. She worked at the shirt factory in Lyndora when she was young and went on to marry Clyde Mershimer of Slippery Rock. He preceded her in death.

Bessie was the heart and soul of her family and dedicated her life to her family, friends and faith. She found great joy in preparing delicious home-cooked meals and baked goods, like fresh bread and rolls, that brought comfort and warmth to countless gatherings. Her kitchen was a place of love and nourishment, where the aroma of fresh- cooked meals and laughter always filled the air.

She loved to sit on her front porch to watch the cars drive by and always had a friendly smile and a wave for passersby. She cherished spending time with her family and grandchildren, creating lasting memories through simple pleasures — going for rides through the countryside; counting deer or horses and buggies; sitting on the front porch enjoying simple chats; or engaging in lively games of Yahtzee and dominoes. She raised and nurtured her family with love and kindness, but knew when to put her foot down, especially when the boys wanted a rubber raft.

She was a devoted member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Evans City and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Connoquenessing, previously. She faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher for over 30 years, sharing both her time and talents with grace. She loved to cook delicious meals for the church’s youth group, Vacation Bible School and special church gatherings.

A skilled quilter, Bessie lovingly crafted countless quilts and baby blankets for the church and loved ones, each stitch a testament to her care and generosity. Bessie also was the head cook at the Evans City Elementary cafeteria for 20 years, where she prepared meals for all the students and staff. Bessie will be remembered for her great love for her family, her unwavering faith, her desire to always help others in need and being a constant source of love, wisdom and support.

Bessie was the devoted and loving mother of Douglas (Franni) Mershimer, Brian Mershimer, Kathy (Keith) Henn and Thomas (Lisa) Mershimer; and cherished grandmother of nine grandchildren, Jonathon (Stephanie), Nicole and Jessica (fiancé, Christopher) Mershimer, Josh (fiancée, Lisa), Rob, Matt and Lucas Henn, and Krista and Ryan Mershimer; and proud great-grandmother of Siena Mershimer.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bessie was preceded in death by her sister, Erla Smith; and her brother, Pete Burr.

MERSHIMER — Friends and family of Bessie Lillian Mershimer, who died Friday, May 9, 2025, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 19, at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 116 E. Main St., Evans City.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the funeral home.

Bessie will be laid to rest at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Cemetery in Connoquenessing, followed by a luncheon at Westminster Presbyterian Church (Evans City).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Bessie’s honor to either Westminster Presbyterian Church, 330 E. Main St., Evans City, PA 16033, or St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 252, 127 Constitution Ave., Connoquenessing, PA 16027.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

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