Karissa’s Memorial Fund

Note:  this is the only legit donation site for Karissa’s funeral expenses and children who are being raise by their respective fathers. Please ignore any other donation requests. 

Karissa Malee Shirk, 30, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 29, 2022. She passed away unexpectedly at her home in Hermitage. Karissa, born August 15, 1991, in Sharon, Pa, was the daughter of Roger and Kimberly (Shirk) Burns of Mercer, and David Miller.

 

Karissa was a 2010 graduate of Kennedy Christian Highschool. Following high school, she attended Laurel Technical Institute and received a Pharmacy Technician degree. She had recently returned to LTI and was pursuing a career in Cosmetology. Karissa excelled as a competition cheerleader, and later used her talent as a cheerleading and gymnastics coach.

 

Karissa was an active member of The Valley Church in Hermitage. One of the things Karissa loved the most was using her beautiful voice to glorify God and she sang on her church’s worship team every Sunday. She also participated in Bible study and was a teacher at Vacation Bible School.

 

Next to her relationship with Jesus, she cherished her family above all else. Surviving at home is the love of her life, Jesse D. Lewis, whom she was to be married to on Saturday, June 4, 2022. Besides her parents and her fiancé, Karissa leaves her 3 beloved children; Aylin Shirk (12), Sariah Lewis (11 months), and Dean Lewis (6), all at home.

 

She is survived by a sister, Marina Burns and a brother Roger Burns, both of Mercer; her grandparents; Jerry and Margaret (Peggy) Fairchild (Sharpsville), whom she lovingly called Nana and Papa; Leland (Sophie) Shirk; and Sherry Hartman; as well as her future in-laws, Richard and Sheri Urey (Hermitage) who loved her like a daughter.

 

Karissa will be greatly missed by her Aunt Connie (Uncle Mike) Muniak, whom she loved like a sister, along with their daughter Gabi; Uncle Ronald David Bell, Jr.; Her future brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Taylor Lewis, who was also her best friend, along with their children, Ryan and Gracelyn; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her beloved dog, Yondu.

 

In lieu of flowers, we are asking family and friends who are willing and able to, please donate toward her funeral expenses and her children.

 

Viewing hours for Karissa will be on Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 4:00pm-7:00pm immediately followed by her service at John Flynn’s Funeral Home, 2630 E. State Street, Hermitage, PA 16148.

We invite family and friends to join us to celebrate Karissa’s life at 11:30am on Friday, June 3, 2022 at the South Pymatuning Fire Hall for a luncheon.