Obituaries

Sara Margaret Shelly, 27

December 26, 2014

Sara Margaret Shelly, 27, of Lititz, received the ultimate gift of eternal life on December 26, 2014.

Sara was a young woman who, without a word, spoke volumes, without touching, embraced many, and without teaching, demonstrated the true meaning of life and love.

Sara’s loving family consisted of her father, Gary L. Shelly, her mother, Mary Ann (Reidenbaugh) Shelly, and her brothers Joseph A., married to Kelly Jo (Williamson), and Daniel R., married to Erin (Johnson). Sara was the proud and tender aunt to Kate, 3 yrs., Hannah, 2 yrs., Owen, 4 months, and Jordan, 2 weeks. She is also survived by her paternal grandmother, Pauline R. (Diehm), wife of the late Ammon H. Shelly, and maternal grandmother, Margaret (Grosh), wife of the late Robert R. Reidenbaugh.

Sara lived her faith through many caring acts and participated in her own card ministry. Over the years, she has lovingly sent thousands of cards of encouragement to friends and family. Her church home is Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church in Lititz where she was baptized and later became a member.

Sara thrived on traveling to special destinations about which she had learned. She especially enjoyed visits to NFL stadiums. Recently, she was the guest of honor for two home games of the Miami Dolphins, her favorite team.

Sara’s family will greet friends 6 to 8 PM on Monday December 29th and 3-4 PM on Tuesday December 30th at Lititz Trinity E.C. Church, 44 E. Orange St., Lititz, PA. Her memorial service will take place on Tuesday at 4 pm at the church, with Pastor Nathan Fry officiating. Private interment in Penryn Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice & Community Care., P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or Lititz Trinity E.C. Church, P.O. Box 211, Lititz, PA 17543.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page

Condolences to the Family

January 05, 2015

Gary,
Having just returned to school, we were made aware of your loss. My heart aches. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Michael J. Vertucci

January 03, 2015

Nancy Kraybill Sabb:
Mary Ann and Gary, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family on the passing of Sara. I know life with a special needs child has its blessings and trials. She was blessed to have you both as parents and I can see in her write up, what a blessing she was. My sympathy goes out to you both as you treasure your memories. God bless you both.

December 31, 2014

Dear Dan and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Susan McKain and family

December 30, 2014

Because of the nature of the visitation service, I could not fully express myself at the time. Leigh and I have always been impressed by the way you kept Sara involved in what she did in church. I would notice you would hold the Bible and I believe even the hymnal for her to see while worshiping. I had only known Sara for a little more than a year, but was impressed by her palpable presence in the sanctuary each Sunday. She was a young woman that was very easy to like. We all have our own beliefs about what awaits us in the hereafter. I believe she is free from her restrictive shell and is in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I also personally believe that the day will come when I will experience the pleasure of seeing her again and will be able to tell her that I was inspired and moved by having the privelege to have known her on earth.

God Bless,

Michael J. Romascavage

December 29, 2014

It was a pleasure to help care for Sara. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. She will live in my memory for a very long time. I’m so sorry for your loss, she was a lovely young lady. Your family will be in my prayers. Cathy Cruz

December 29, 2014

Gary and Mary Ann- you both embody extrodinary sacrificial love. That love sustained Sara, but also radiated into many circles that were brought together in her care. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I had to serve her- watch her do things she loved and live the number of her days with strength and comfort. You are in my prayers now as you greive the loss of such a beautiful heart.  with deep sympathy, Marie Acebo

December 29, 2014

Gary and Mary Ann,
Our deepest condolences for you during this difficult time, yet we can all be sure that while your daughter Sara has been taken from this temperary life here on earth, she is now experiencing the ultimate gift of eternal life in God’s Heaven Kingdom, where there is peace, joy and happiness beyond our wildest dreams.Sophia and Gene Shreiner

December 28, 2014

Thoughts and prayers to your family.

Julie Meckley

December 28, 2014

Dear Gary and Mary Ann,Sorry to hear about your loss. I was sad to hear of the news. I want you to know we will be praying for you during this difficult time. May our God give you His peace and strength during this difficult time. Our Rock, Christ Jesus is the one who is with you in all things and especially during times like this. I am sorry we will not be at the services but please know we will be praying for you especially during the service times.
Doug and Dawn Enck

Services: Tuesday, December 30, 2014; 4:00 PM; Lititz Trinity E.C. Church; 44 E. Orange St; Lititz, PA 17543
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