Shirley A. Baldrica

Wilkes-Barre- Shirley A. Baldrica, 78, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Friday morning at her home. Born in Wilkes-Barre on April 6, 1935, she was a daughter of the late John and Margaret (Dunbar) Pahler. Shirley was previously employed with the Childhood Lead Poisoning Program, where she was a dedicated worker for over 30 years and retired in 2005. After retiring, she enjoyed the time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her nickname was MeMa with all the kids. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Baldrica, who passed away in 1971; brothers Charles and John Pahler; sister Helen Johnson-Lamoreaux and Rita Kellar. Surviving are her loving companion of 43 years, Harry Kocher; loving sons, Frank Baldrica, Jr. and his wife, Michaela, Dallas and Charles Baldrica, Wilkes-Barre; grandchildren, Shannon Baldrica Owens and her husband, Lance, Charles Baldrica, Jr. and Jacob Baldrica; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Lancett Owens IV; brothers, James and Joseph Pahler, both of Wilkes-Barre; sister Marion Mushalla, Carteret, NJ. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home, 465 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre with the Reverend James E. McGahagan, of St. Andrew’s Parish, will officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp. Friends may call Monday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday morning from 9 to 10 a.m.