Obituary of Mary Shearer Roe

Mary Shearer Roe, 89, of Wolf Lake, NY and Tucson, AZ, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2016, in Milford, PA, after a courageous 8 year battle with Alzheimer's disease. The daughter of the late Christopher Arthur Shearer and Dorothy Storms, she was born on Dec 27, 1926, in Buffalo, NY. Mary had a marvelous childhood in Williamsville, NY and summered at the beloved family home on Cape Cod with her Great Aunt Jane. A proud graduate of Williamsville High School, she was the lead violinist and became their first female class president. She earned her teaching degree at Geneseo State College and went on to teach elementary and special education in HI, CA, and NY. During that time she also traveled extensively with a particular love for her time in pre-war Vietnam. She and her husband, Chester Roe, settled in New Windsor, NY, and raised their family, summering at Chet's Wolf Lake cabin until his death 14 years later. Mary later moved to Wolf Lake and wintered in Tucson, AZ; she loved the contrast between her two homes, driving herself across the country in the Spring and Fall. Those who knew Mary will remember her love of music, religion, books, learning and strong political beliefs. She was a member and volunteer of many organizations including the NRA, Concerned Women for America, Hospice and the American Cancer Society. Mary was a loyal and active member in many churches. Everywhere she went, people benefitted from her great generosity and friendship which she dispersed with a quick smile and love of laughter. In addition to her parents, Mary is predeceased by her husband, Chester Roe; brother Peter Shearer, CA, brother Robert Shearer and sister-in-law Cherry, of Cape Cod, MA. She is survived by her loving children Dorothy (Richard) Price of Hancock, NY; Susan Willett of Wolf Lake, NY; William (Cindy) Roe of Wolf Lake, NY; and grandchildren Keith and Shawn Roe and Sarah Willett; sister-in-law Elizabeth Shearer, CA, and many nieces, nephews and family. A memorial service celebrating Mary's life will be held at the VanInwegen- Kenny Funeral Home, 111 Sullivan St, Wurtsboro, NY on Sunday, August 28, from 2 to 5 PM, with services held at 4 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org or Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. Burial will be at South Monument Beach Cemetery, Bourne, Mass. at the family's convenience so Mary can be alongside her family on beautiful Cape Cod. Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Wurtsboro. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com