Mary E. 'Sis' Homer, Sharpsville, passed away peacefully on Thursday (2-18-10) in O'Brien Memorial Health Care Center, Brookfield, after an extended illness. She was 77.

Born May 17, 1932, in Greensburg, PA, Mrs. Homer was the daughter of Elmer G. and Mary E. Hayden Overly.

She graduated from Emma Willard Girl's School in Troy, NY and Wheaton College in Norton, MA. She received her master's degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Sis, as she was known by her family and friends, taught elementary school in Lakewood, Ohio and Mt. Lebanon, PA, and always made time to travel the U.S. with her friends until she met the love of her life. She married R. Dale Homer on May 17, 1963 and began her new career as wife and mother.

Sis worked as bookkeeper for Garrett's garage in Hermitage for many years and was a tireless volunteer in several organizations including the Youngstown Symphony, American Cancer Society, Girl Scouts and Sharon Regional Hospital oncology unit. She enjoyed family weekend trips to their mountain cottage in Somerset, PA and was an avid reader. She was a trusted friend and advisor to many. Sis was a longtime member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Hermitage.

Besides her parents, her husband, Dale preceded her in death in 1984.

She is survived by her son, David T. Homer and his wife Mary Jo, Sharpsville; two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Bast and her husband James, Delray Beach, FL, and Donna Smuck and her husband Steve, Metairie, LA; Five grandchildren Jeffrey, Ryan and Robert Homer and Nicole and Brian Smuck; a brother, William H. Overly and his wife Gladys, Somerset; a sister, Patricia Paine, East Haven, VT; sisters in-law Allie Overly, Betty Layman and Virginia Shank; a brother in-law Donald (Margaret) Homer; several nieces and nephews; friend and neighbor Kathy Nagy, and life long friend Peggy Layman with whom she shared many special times.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Sharon Regional's transitional care unit, O'Brien Memorial, and Hospice of the Valley for their compassion and care shown to their mother.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 159 Todd Ave., Hermitage, PA or to the American Cancer Society 3168 E. State St., Hermitage 16148.

Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday (2-22-10) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.1090 E. State St., Sharon, PA.

Condolences may be sent to her family by visiting the web site www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Funeral and Committal service: 7:00 p.m. Monday (2-22-10) in the funeral home chapel with Rev. David J. Williamson, Pastor of St. Paul's United Church of Christ officiating.

Interment: Private.