Patricia 'Pat' Gutshall

Alluding to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, one of her teaching favorites, Patricia Ann Sherman Gutshall, on Wednesday morning March 03, 2021 slipped away, and had wished this to be said from 'Crossing the Bar': “….may there be no sadness in my farewell, when I embark….I hope to see my Pilot face to face… when I have cross’d the Bar”.

Born January 20, 1936, Pat was a consistent ‘A’ student and on the Honor Rolls through High School & College. Earning a Phi Beta Kappa invitation to Wilson College, she, however, received her Teacher’s Degree & Masters in Counseling from Shippensburg State Teachers College. Over 4 decades, Pat taught English, Speech, & Literature to multiple generations at Chambersburg High; she made you learn ‘by knowing the rules’. Coaching the award-winning Debate/Forensics team, she was able to nurture confidence in many of those team members; ‘twas a great source of pride to her. And, even after a long school day, she’d spend many an hour tutoring those in need, being a perennial Class Advisor, and coaching the Cheerleading Squads.

She spoke of wonderful times- waiting for her grandfather to come from working on the Pennsylvania Railroad- Nanny Henry would tell stories while brushing her hair, being a Girl Scout, playing movie roles with her sisters, and being Head Majorette of the CASHS Marching Band (‘53)- “going down Main Street”. The oldest of 4 daughters, she learned to ‘carry the football’, since her father, a gifted athlete had no sons! A lover of music, she sang & took 8 years of piano; and as a ‘natural dramatic’, she had many a role in high school & college theatre. Pat so loved spending time with friends as a Patron of Totem Pole, and she never missed an opportunity to catch a Broadway performance- often as a Chaperone on Senior Class trips to The Big Apple. She was quite proud of serving as a Deacon at Falling Spring Presbyterian Church.

Pat mostly was a single mom, raising 3 boys. As little ones, many times she’d tow us on our sled down empty snow-covered streets to Miller’s Market grocery store, and made us sit endlessly practicing the piano- so we’d get good marks from Mrs. Kane! It was not uncommon for her to put on a ball glove and pitch to her Little League sons to better their fielding, or be involved with them as successful swimmers- even serving as President of the YMCA Swim Team Association. And seemingly, no matter what- she made sure she showed up to catch us swimming, playing baseball or basketball, home/ away- logging many miles…she’d exclaim: ”Ya never know when there’s going to be a big event!” ….and there were plenty!!

Pat’s love of travel, took her many times to the beach or abroad with her Retired Teacher friends- speaking fondly of trips through Europe with Jim Pelc & the Israel trip with Dr. Rev. Harter. Favorites were: being a Mom, Nana to granddaughters Faith & Delaney, her own dogs & numerous ‘Grand Dogs’. A daily dose of hot tea, sometimes with Praline Pecan Crunch ice cream, was a remedy. And, she liked ‘getting out’ to the monthly ‘Card Club with The Ladies’. A very skilled Bridge player, she’d teach friends Bridge basics & how to play more strategically! Favorite song was ‘I’ll Give you a Daisy a Day’ (Jud Strunk), Hymn was ‘Nearer My God to Thee’ or Elvis’ version of ‘Lord, You Gave Me a Mountain’. She passed on a passion for old black & white movies, and what we wouldn’t do for some of her gooey apple dumplings with extra dough or a plate-full of kugel! She most appreciated the times spent with Derik & Kim on so many activities & vacations to OC MD, Disney World, Graceland among others. Didn’t matter if it was a back yard juicy hamburger or ‘seeing the ponies’ at Churchill Downs, all were cherished.

Our sincerest thoughts & gratitude to Suzie Zimmerman & the ENTIRE Candlestick Inn Staff at the Brookview Skilled Nursing Center at Menno Haven. Pat felt your love and compassion day in & out. She loved you back, and enjoyed every conversation with ‘her girls’. You made sure she was most comfortable her entire stay, but especially as she was saying her ‘goodbyes’. You are our extended family, and we hold you in highest regards. Peace be with you; ‘ya done good.’

She was predeceased by her parents Max S. Sherman & Mary Isabel (Henry), son Daniel G. Gutshall, and sisters- Sally & Betsy. Survived by sons: Darren B. Gutshall (Dorothy), Carlisle, Derik V. Gutshall (Kimberly), Chambersburg, daughter in law Kimberly (wife of Daniel), Berlin MD, and a sister Bonnie of SC. In lieu of any flowers, she asked that you give to your favorite charity in her name, plant flowers, adopt a shelter pet, or give to the Migraine Research Foundation.

Pat had a long ordeal with multiple health issues, but they’re all gone now….be at Peace with a healthy body. And one more from a favorite poet, John Donne: “ ….send not to know 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' ….it tolls for thee.”

Somewhere tonight, at the Bridge table, she’s ‘bidding 4 Spades….’