Virginia L. Gherrity, age 82, of Tyrone died Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at Garvey Manor. She was born in Altoona on January 31, 1932, the daughter of Walter W. and Virginia M. Ammerman Welsh. On June 11, 1954 at Trinity Episcopal Church she was married to Robert J. Gherrity Jr. and in June they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, two sons, Robert J. Gherrity III (Amy), Tyrone, Michael Gherrity (Crystal), Stormstown and daughter in law Brenda Gherrity, Tyrone. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren – Andrew Gherrity, Nicole Boyer, Robert J. Gherrity IV, and Shane and Rebecca Gherrity and 3 great grandchildren – Dereck and Jackson Boyer and Linae Gherrity as well as several cousins.

Virginia was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Tyrone. She was a graduate of Tyrone Area High School Class of 1949 and of Episcopal Protestant Hospital (Philadelphia) Class of 1952. On her first attempt she passed her state nursing boards and was immediately employed at the Altoona Hospital. At one time she also worked in Tyrone for Dr. Francis McClain. She was an excellent swimmer and a terrific dancer and, while in high school, represented the letter "E" on the cheerleading squad. She was a "Military Wife" for 20 years during the time of her husband's service.

Virginia was an avid reader and loved her 2 o'clock soap opera and spending time with her family. She was an active supporter of St. Jude's Hospital and an active head of the Trinity Church Altar Guild for 30 years and took great pride and joy in preparing the altar for sacred services. Friends will be received at the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc. on Saturday, March 29th from 1 until the 2 PM funeral service under the direction of Deacon Jack Hoffer. A funeral service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church at a later date.