Pennsylvania
Lynn Himes Kraemer, 57
Died February 1, 2021.
Perkiomen Valley School District, Collegeville, PA
Bus Driver
Carole Lynn Himes, 57, of Perkiomenville, passed away Monday, February 1, 2021, at Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville. She was the wife of Clairmont Kraemer.
Born July 15, 1963, in Phoenixville, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Carole (Jeffers) Himes. Carole was a long-time school bus driver with Student Transportation of America which serves the Perkiomen School district. She enjoyed spending time with her family, was an avid bowler, and enjoyed auto racing.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, William Kraemer, Julie Poulos and her husband, Tim, Clairmont Kraemer, Jr. and his wife, Stephanie, Ernest Kraemer and his wife, Elizabeth, and Joshua Kraemer and his wife, Patricia; her siblings, John Himes, Patricia Himes, and Michael Himes; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren She was predeceased by her brother, Frederick Himes, Jr. Service will be held privately for the family. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.RLWilliamsFuneralHome.com.
Dennis Stewart, 72
Died December 28, 2020.
Armstrong Junior/Senior High School, Kittanning, PA
Athletic Director
As a teacher, coach, assistant principal, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Dennis Stewart sought to connect with all types of people.
Mr. Dennis E. Stewart passed away from due to the horrible Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Monday, December 28, 2020 in Kittanning, the town in which he and his wife, Karen, raised their family. He was 72.
Dennis was preceded by his father Orrie, mother Polly, and brother Orrie (Sonny). He was also preceded by his in-laws Rudy and Edith Rose.
Dennis enlisted in the Navy and served his country in the Vietnam war.
Dennis became a teacher following his service to his country. He taught History and Driver’s Education at Kittanning & Ford City Jr. & Senior High Schools respectively, where he also coached football and his great love…wrestling. Dennis was inducted with the 42nd class into the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) as a wrestling coach for his 30+ years of service.
As Dennis grew older, he transitioned to Athletic Director roles at Kittanning, Ford City and eventually Armstrong. It was the job he was meant to do. He was often found early in the morning and late at night due to his sense of dedication and love for the job, school and everyone involved. He took great pride and loved being there for sporting events. He thrived in the pressure of getting everything “just right” for the event to be successful. He cheered for all of the young men and women regardless of skill or outcome. He bled the colors he represented.
Dennis’s other great love was golf. If he wasn’t at the school, he was on the golf course. He would play like the mail is delivered…rain, snow, sleet or hail. He had a great love for the game, and the gentlemen that he played with.
Above all, his greatest love was his family. Dennis is survived by his wife Karen, of 51 years, whom he met at Kittanning Jr. High School. In addition, his two children, Scott and Elyse, their spouses Brenda and Chad. His three grandchildren, Brett, Riley and Jace. His brother William Stewart and spouse Gay and their family.
Dennis Stewart’s life will be remembered this Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Armstrong Junior/Senior High School, 300 Buffington Dr., Kittanning, PA where you will be able to drive through the parking lot safely in your car from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The family requests guests sign or leave condolences in the virtual guestbook for Dennis at www.snydercrissman.com. Private interment will be in West Glade Run Presbyterian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dennis’s memory to Orphans of the Storm, P.O. Box 838, Kittanning, PA 16201, Armstrong Junior/Senior High Athletic Department, 300 Buffington, Kittanning, PA 16201, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home in Kittanning, PA.
Candice Highfield, 62
Died January 7, 2021.
Hempfield High School, Landisville, PA
Social Worker
As I write this, my heart is heavy and I feel like I took a punch to the gut. As we have watched COVID-19 cases and deaths climb, I have tried not to become numb to them. However, I must admit that this all came home to me last week. These numbers represent real people, and each and every one of them deserve to be mourned. Last week, I learned that a very special person has died from COVID-19 complications, Dr. Candice Highfield.
Candice was an outstanding social worker in the Hempfield School District and was one of our team’s first hires after moving in service to the district. Candice was our first school social worker and set an extremely high bar — not only for Hempfield, but for surrounding districts.
She was a staunch advocate for our students and their families and did all she could to remove barriers to learning. With her leadership, we established a clothing bank and started a Hempfield Cares fund that was largely financed through the generous support of district employees. This fund was used to provide gift cards for gasoline, transportation and food, as well as furniture and other necessities for our families.
Candice had a heart of gold, but also a spine of steel. For anyone who thought they may take advantage of the generosity of our staff and funds, Candice let them know assertively that this would not happen. She provided both generosity and accountability.
More than a few times, Candice sought out our sponsors through the Market Street Sports Group, who provided funding to the district in return for naming rights and district advertisements. She persuaded them to provide, gratis, such help as hooking up a new stove for a family. In one instance, she convinced a sponsor to shore up a trailer that was the home of a student. She sat in that trailer as cockroaches were literally falling from the ceiling and realized that this student needed help.
Candice represented all that is good about the staff at Hempfield. She worked more hours than required and continually went above and beyond what was expected. She took on every challenge and would give her all to help students succeed.
To say she will be missed sounds almost trite. Her legacy is one of love, dedication and caring. To her family, friends and colleagues, I extend my most profound sympathy and caring. There is nothing I can say that will negate the loss we all feel, but I sincerely hope everyone in the education community, both at Hempfield and in other Lancaster County districts, will continue to do all they can to remain safe, take care and support each other.
Dana Hall, 55
Died November 22, 2020.
Jeannette City School District, Jeannette, PA
Secretary
Dana I. Hall, 55, of Jeannette, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020. She was born Feb. 23, 1965, in Jeannette, a daughter of the late Roger “Jim” and Catherine E. (Klingensmith) Baloga. Dana was a member of Living Word Congregational Church, Jeannette where she loved to teach Sunday school for the children. She worked as a secretary for Jeannette School District, was a treasure for the PSEA Union and an avid Jayhawk fan. She is loved and will be missed by the entire Jeannette community. Dana is survived by her husband, Larry Hall; sons, Larry Jr., of Jacksonville, and Eric, of Jeannette; granddaughter, Olivia; brothers, Chris Baloga and his wife, Renae, of Greensburg, and Anthony Baloga and his wife, Heather, of Slickville and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. Monday in Living Word Congregational Church 2003 Ridge Rd., Jeannette. CDC guidelines in regards to capacity limits and social distancing will be followed and masks are required.
Terri Sherwin, 60
Died November 25, 2020.
Greater Latrobe Senior High School, Latrobe, PA
Administrative Assistant
Terri Louise Sherwin, 60, of Latrobe, passed away from sudden illness Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020. Born Aug. 16, 1960, she was the daughter of Kay and the late Terry Stoner. She was the beloved wife to Jeffrey Sherwin for 36 years; loving mother to Christopher (Shannon) Sherwin, Courtney (Mike) Trumpower, and Colin Sherwin; cherished Mimi to Londyn and Easton Trumpower; loving sister to Kirk (Teresa) Stoner, Charlene (Michael) Salopek, Leslie (Warren) King; loving daughter-in-law to Leone and the late William Sherwin; cherished sister-in-law to David (Mary) Sherwin, Mark (Marcia) Sherwin and Todd (Rene) Sherwin. She was also blessed with many nieces and nephews. Terri spent her life nurturing and caring for her family. She loved trips to Disney, decorating her house, working on projects and crafts, and spending time at the beach. She enjoyed her days working with students at school. A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John XXII (formerly St. Benedict the Abbott), 120 Abington Drive, McMurray, PA 15317. Arrangements have been entrusted to PITTSBURGH CREMATION AND FUNERAL CARE, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation to provide children trips to Disney World, as that is something Terri loved.
Alexandra Chitwood, 47
Died November 5, 2020.
Manheim Township Middle School, Lancaster, PA
Counselor
Alexandra “Sandy” “Alex” Chitwood, 47, passed away November 5, 2020, in her Lancaster residence.
She was the loving wife of Kenneth D. “Euro” Chitwood; they were married on April 23, 2011. They met in Italy through People to People traveling with separate youth groups over a three week stint. Their shared interests, especially their love of children, immediately brought them together.
Born in Queens, she was the daughter of J. Alberto and Sandra Cobian, Spring Twp.
She was a graduate of Wilson High School in 1990, Alvernia University with a bachelor degree in drug and alcohol and women’s studies, and earned her master’s degree from West Chester University in school counseling.
Alexandra began her professional career at Caron Treatment Center, later she spent tireless hours working for the Children’s Home of Reading, and for the last 18 years was a school counselor at Manheim Township School District at the middle school, the high school and again back at the middle school.
She was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, Reading and Victory Church, Greenfield, Lancaster. Alexandra loved to travel, cook, eat, and scrapbook. She had a tremendous love for her family and a passion for the growth and development for all children.
In addition to her husband and parents, she is survived by her step-sons, Derrick (Karen) Chitwood, and their children, Wellington Kai Chitwood and Quinn Chitwood, Columbus, IN, and Jordan Chitwood, at home. She had three siblings: A.J. Cobian (Lindsay) and their child Julian, Ephrata; Alfredo (Bere) Gomez, Miami, FL; and Marcus Gomez, Miami, FL. Many cousins also survive her. She loved that Wellington and Quinn called her G-Ma.