Theresa Shiner

Theresa Charles Shiner, 93, of Hanover Township, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Mercy Center in Dallas. She was born in Wilkes-Barre on March 18, 1927 and was the daughter of Lebanese immigrants, the late Simon and Elizabeth Charles. Theresa was one of nine brothers and sisters, whom she loved and adored.

Theresa attended GAR High School, where she performed as Head Majorette and was voted Best Dressed of her Senior Class. This was no surprise since she always put her best foot forward and was always the most stylish woman in the room. She continued her education at the Wilkes-Barre Business School, where she earned a degree that would serve her well as she entered the business world.

In 1948, she married the love of her life, the young and handsome Francis L. Shiner. Together they moved to his 93-acre farm where she learned to bake and sew to perfection. She always attributed these many talents to what she learned during her time there. Francis studied the bakery business in Brooklyn, NY, and soon the couple ventured into building and opening the first Lebanese bakery in Wilkes-Barre. Theresa’s strong, confident hands moved quickly as she whipped together spinach and meat pies for selling in the bakery - a true delicacy that is greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to visit Shiner’s Bakery.

She was the proud mother of four children, who adored her. As a young wife with four little ones, she would visit the prominent children’s clothing stores inspecting the latest fashions. Being a talented seamstress, she would then return home with fabric and sew for hours as the family was asleep to produce the finest dresses and coats for her 3 little girls to wear to Easter Mass. On some occasions, she would even sew purses and cover hat forms to complete their ensembles.

Theresa strived to learn something new every day, and she did. She was an expert tailor, creating men’s 3-piece suits that were priceless. With her fine culinary skills, she would carve fruit displays that were the focal point of every party. She was also an expert candle maker, making wedding candles for all her relatives.

Her heart was always focused on others as she invested her time in charitable causes, serving as the chairwoman of many school and church committees. She became President of St. Ann’s Academy Parents’ Association, sewed vestments for her local church, adopted a foreign exchange student, and volunteered at the local pro-life office. She organized a cotillion class for young girls to teach them proper etiquette which culminated in a Mother’s Day Breakfast. Additionally, Theresa taught floral arranging, candle making, and quilting.

Her thoughtfulness and attention to detail made everyone around her feel special. While shopping the after Thanksgiving sales, she not only knew her children’s sizes, but also their spouses and her 12 grandchildren’s, including details such as shirt and pant lengths.

As her family grew, so did her desire to provide for them. She and her sister, Pauline, opened B&T Lunch in Wilkes-Barre where they served up the most delicious homemade soups and sandwiches. Their products sold out every day due to the high quality of the pies, pastries, and their fine menu. She became the manager of the first Joann Fabrics in the Wyoming Valley Mall. That job was short lived after being offered a new position by a brother team from New York, who was opening The Fabric Place in the East End section of Wilkes-Barre. They offered her the new position on the spot after seeing her in action. Her role as manager and buyer often took her to New York City to bring the latest trends and styles to the area. Her bosses attest to the fact that she was the most honest, hardworking person they had ever known.

Together with Francis, Theresa designed and built a beautiful new home in Mountain Top, which was the gathering place for the entire Shiner/Charles Clan. Every Sunday, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends would come to swim, play competitive games of volleyball, and feast on all of Theresa’s cooking. She would rise before dawn to prepare food for the day and always ironed her tablecloths to make the finest presentation. Theresa knew if she had all of her work done, she too could take part in the fun. She rounded up relay and pool games that her family still plays today and look back on with fond memories of her. On one occasion, when hosting a pool party for her children’s friends, she invited everyone to sit around the huge picnic table. Within minutes, she served up a huge pot of spaghetti and meatballs. Even her children’s friends knew there was something special about her.

As Theresa’s family grew, she learned a love like no other, her grandchildren, and a whole new part of her unfolded. Each and every one of them will attest to the love she exuded making each feel like they were the most special. She designed and sewed the most exquisite baptism gown, coat, and hat that each of the 12 grandchildren wore when being christened. It still remains in the family today.

Theresa is survived by her children, Dianne Kagay; Elizabeth Mahfoud and her husband Nassif; Maureen Doyle and her husband Patrick; Francis Shiner, Jr. and his wife, Suzanne; grandchildren Stephen Kagay, Jr., his wife Anna, and their son Gabriel; Ryan Kagay, his wife Elizabeth and their children Camille, Grace, John, Jacob, and Abigail; Patrick Doyle, Jr., his wife Colleen, and their children Claire, Patrick III, and Brannon; Kevin Doyle, his wife Sarah, and their children, Sadie, Hadley, and Ainsley; Shannon Doyle Tiedeken, her husband Nathan, and their children Jameson, Christian, Declan, and Emerson; Brian Doyle and his wife Alex; Mathew Shiner, Johnathan Mahfoud, Mary Theresa Mahfoud and fiancé Anthony Minter, Jeremy Shiner, Elyse Mahfoud, Lindsay Shiner; sister Pauline Evans, brother John Charles and his wife Marsha Charles; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Francis Sr., son-in-law, Stephen W. Kagay, Sr., and her brothers and sisters, Samuel, Monera, Martha, Angie, Charlie, Ferris, and Catherine.

Theresa’s family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff at Mercy Center Skilled Nursing & Personal Care Center.

Theresa’s family will celebrate her life privately.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Memories and condolences may be shared with Theresa’s family at www.celebrateherlife.com

Click this link to view additional details about Theresa's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/theresa-shiner