Barbara M. Bearer

Barbara M. “Barb” (Bloom) Bearer, 94, of Blairsville, PA, formerly of Patton, passed away Sunday, March 28, 2021 at her home in Burrell Township, Indiana County, PA.

Barb was born December 9, 1926 in Ebensburg, the daughter of Griffith and Vernita (Sharbaugh) Bloom.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Martin L. Bearer in 1999, brothers, Jimmy Bloom and Francis “Bud” Bloom, sisters, Doris Ribson, Margaret E. “Madge” Sherry, grandson, John Shaw, Jr., a granddaughter and son-in-law, John “Jack” Shaw.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Virginia L. Shaw and grandsons, Travis Shaw (Beth), Tyler Shaw (Sarah) and Trevor Shaw (Cassandra), great grandchildren, Isabella, Lexus, Carter, Lyndsay, and Liam.  She is also survived by her brother and sisters, Jerry Bloom (Annie) of West Wheatfield Township, Sally Bearer of Carrolltown, Jane Young of St. Augustine, FL, and Ann of IL, sister-in-law, Janet Bloom of Loretto, a special niece, Nancy Bloom and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Barbara and her husband started their coal company, North Cambria Fuel Company in 1952.  During her lifetime Barb and her husband Martin were the owners of Chestnut Ridge on the Green, Comfort Inn, Blairsville, Chestnut Ridge Motors, Indiana Sales and Service, and Ridgeview Diner.  Despite her many successes Barb was proud of and never forgot her humble beginnings.  Barb was generous to her family, friends, and numerous charities.

Barb’s faith was the cornerstone of her life.  She was a longtime member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, a former member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Cemetery Board, Catholic Daughters of the Americas and most recently, a member of Saints Simon and Jude Church, Blairsville.  In 2012, Barb was a Papal Honors recipient and was inducted into the Order of St. Gregory the Great.

Barb enjoyed golfing and driving her golf cart, attending auctions in Atlanta, GA and travelling, especially to Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, April 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Monday, April 5, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 North Walnut Street, Blairsville, where a Wake Service will be held on Monday at 7:30 p.m.  Prayers of Transfer will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, April 6, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Saints Simon and Jude Church, Blairsville, with Reverend Stephen R. Bugay celebrant.

Interment will be in St. Bernard Cemetery, Indiana, PA.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at VNA Home Service and Concordia.

Masks and face coverings will be required and social distancing encouraged upon entry to the funeral home as per CDC guidelines.