Lillian M. (Mauk) Gearhart

Lillian M. (Mauk) Gearhart, 93, of Fairview, passed away peacefully at home, in the care and comfort of family, on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Lillian was born on November 5, 1932, in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Thomas and Iva (Rupp) Mauk.

She was a co-owner of Gearhart’s Garage in Platea, served as tax collector for Platea Borough, and worked at the Tannery and Marx Toys in Girard. She was a lifelong member of the New Apostolic Church and sang in the choir there.

Lillian enjoyed reading and crocheting blankets for her family, especially for newborn babies. She was also the family photographer, always making sure special moments were remembered. She never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion, and those she loved could always count on a thoughtful card. She was humble, kind, and nurturing, always placing the needs of others before her own.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gearhart, whom she married on October 1, 1949, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania; her daughters, Linda Olesnanik and Donna Gearhart; her sisters, Yvonne Sargent and Loretta Kay Otteni; her brothers, Otis Mauk, Thomas Mauk, and Kenneth Mauk, in infancy; and her son-in-law, Michael Schillinger.

She is survived by her daughters, Joyce Schillinger and Sandra Westerburg and her husband, Richard; eight grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

The family would like to thank her granddaughter, Natasha, and her sons, Caleb and Elijah, who opened their home and cared for Lillian with love and dedication for the past two years, allowing her to remain with family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lillian’s name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at New Apostolic Church, 6005 Perry Hwy, Erie, PA 16509. Condolences begin at 1:30 p.m., with the service to follow at 2:00 p.m.

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