Abbie Anita Scherrer

Abbie Anita Scherrer, 90, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, at Fountain View Nursing Home in Eldorado.

Abbie was born Dec. 8, 1919 in Aurora, the daughter of Nicholas and Etoile Hermes. She graduated from Madonna High School in Aurora, and then attended DePaul University in Chicago, where she double-majored in music and minored in education. She moved to Southern Illinois to teach at Shawneetown High School.

She met and married John Scherrer on June 29, 1946. They resided in Shawneetown and then they moved to Ridgway in 1950. She was a longtime, active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ridgway. She was also a member of the Daughters of Isabella, the St. Joseph Altar Society, the Belleville Diocese of Catholic Women, Cursillo, the Literary Guild and the St. Joseph Pre-Cana Team. For many years, she directed the choir at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ridgway. She enjoyed singing and playing the organ for many occasions throughout the community. She was also an active volunteer in the community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Etoile Hermes; and her grandson, Todd Joseph Smith.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, John Scherrer; four children, Nick (Barbara) Scherrer of St. James City, Fla., Marie (Steve) Smith of Clarendon Hills, Anita Scherrer of Wisconsin and Rita (Bernard) Brazier of Shawneetown; three grandchildren, Colleen (Chris) Clark of Darien, Christine Smith of Chicago and Joseph Brazier of Shawneetown. She is also survived by her cousin, Donna Mae Hermes of Aurora.

Abbie was deeply loved as a caring and compassionate wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her community and cherished all the friendships she made over the years. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010, at Cox and Son Funeral Home in Ridgway with Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ridgway with Father Steven Beatty officiating; burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Cox and Son Funeral Home in Ridgway is in charge of the arrangements.