Mary L. Shearier, age 92, a resident of Manitowoc and formerly of Appleton, entered eternal life on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at Harbor View Assisted Living in Manitowoc.

Mary was born on February 12, 1929, in Wisconsin Rapids to the late Edward and Ella (Giese) Henke.  She graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids with the class of 1947.  Mary then went on to attend Oshkosh State Teacher's College from 1947 to 1950.  On September 23, 1950, Mary married Clifford V. Shearier in Wisconsin Rapids.  He preceded her in death on December 24, 2007.  They resided in Waukesha, Olean, NY, Visalia, CA, and Greendale before moving to Appleton in 1967.  They moved back to Wisconsin Rapids in 2005.

In 1972, Mary obtained her teaching degree in Primary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  She had worked as a substitute teacher for a few years and then as a Kindergarten teacher at Richmond Elementary School in Appleton for 16 years; she loved every moment of teaching.  Mary also loved music.  She played cello from 4 ^th grade through college.  Mary also did a great amount of vocal work in high school, college, and the communities she lived.  In 1949, she was the guest contralto soloist for the Oshkosh Civic Symphony Messiah.  Mary was also a soloist with the Apollo Male Choir of Oshkosh.  She sang in church choirs wherever she had lived and loved to use her gift.

Mary valued her Christian faith and drew upon that faith to sustain her.  Her faith gave her a winsomeness, even in the midst of worry.  Her faith also led her to active roles in the Lutheran congregations where she belonged.  In addition to singing in the choirs, Mary led children's choirs, taught Sunday School, assisted her pastor with nursing home visitations and belonged to the women's organizations.

Survivors include Mary's four children, Steven (Melanie) of Belle Chasse, LA and their children Skylar, Kelton and Sabrina; Jeffrey (Anne) of Beaverton, OR and their children Elisabeth, Susanna, and James; Jeanne (Michael) Christenson, Manitowoc and their daughter Jennifer; and David (Kathleen) of New London and their children Cherish, Tamara and Emily; many great grandchildren; also, other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother.

A private celebration of Mary's life will be held at a later date.  Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

Mary's family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staffs of Harbor View Assisted Living in Manitowoc and Advocate Aurora Hospice for all of the care and compassion they provided.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11 ^th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.