Shirley Sonney Meeker

Shirley Sonney Meeker, age 101, of Erie, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at UPMC Hamot following a brief illness.

She was born in Erie, PA on March 17, 1925, a daughter of the late William and Josephine Fuhrman Sonney.

Shirley attended East High School and went on to work in the offices of Hamot Hospital and then GE, and in 1947 started bookkeeping for B.J. Lechtner Wholesale, and later Toyworld and Buyer's Fair.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, and enjoyed knitting, tennis, working outdoors in her yard, her family, and in her later years playing Bridge, especially with her friend Esther Tregler. She started running at age 72, and for the next 12 years ran 2 miles most days through the Frontier area.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Donald C. Meeker, (who she married at age 17) a granddaughter, Beth Ann Sachse; a brother, William, and her sisters, Lorraine, Audrey, Janet, along with a baby sister, Joann.

She is survived by a daughter, Patricia Sachse (William), granddaughters, Amy DiPlacido (Francisco) of Pittsburgh, Carrie Cage (James), of Summit Township, Dawn McKechnie (Douglas) of Fairview; great grandchildren, Jack, Charlotte, and Everett McKechnie all of Fairview, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff at UPMC Hamot Hospital, Erie, for their care and compassion towards both Shirley and her family in the days and hours leading up to her passing.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services Inc., West Ridge 3801 West 26th Street on Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held in Laurel Hill Cemetery at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant 250 W. 7th Street, Erie, PA 16501 or to a charity of one's choice.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com