Jean Shearer

Jean M. Shearer formerly of New Kensington Jean Mae Black Shearer, 93, a daughter of the late Robert F. Black and Emma Emrick Black, died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012, at Indiana Regional Medical Center, Indiana, Pa. She was born Jan. 26, 1919, in Gibsonia, West Deer Township, and formerly lived in New Kensington. Jean graduated from Etna High School in 1936 and from Grove City College with a Bachelor of Science degree in commerce in 1940. She taught business education courses at Plum Borough School District from 1956 to 1979 and served as the business education department chair and advisor to the Future Business Leaders of America chapter for many years. She also taught in the New Kensington School District and in McAllen, Texas. Jean was a member of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Indiana and formerly a member of Logans Ferry (Parnassus) Presbyterian Church in New Kensington. She was also a member of the Springdale Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, and a life member of the Pennsylvania and National Education Associations. Jean was an active supporter of public education in all its forms. She canvassed her neighborhood to help raise funds to bring WQED-TV, the PBS educational channel in Pittsburgh, on the air. She was also an active supporter of Peoples Library in New Kensington. After retirement, she was a charter member of the New Kensington area chapter of AARP. She participated in many Elder College programs sponsored by Penn State-New Kensington campus. She also spent many enjoyable summers with her family at Chautauqua Institution on Lake Chautauqua, N.Y. Jean is survived by one daughter, Dr. Linda S. Nelson and her husband, Dr. Alan E. Nelson. She is also survived by two granddaughters, Amelia N. Riley and her husband, Shane, of Bel Air, Md., and Emily J. Nelson, of Flagstaff, Ariz. She was predeceased by her parents and husband, Walter M. Shearer, who died in 1986. Viewing will be one hour prior to the time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, in ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington. Officiating will be the Rev. Robert J. Henry. Burial will follow in the Parnassus Presbyterian Cemetery. Those desiring may contribute to the VNA/Hospice of Indiana County, 850 Hospital Road, Indiana, PA 15701 or People's Library of New Kensington, Ninth street and Barnes street, New Kensington, PA 15068. To leave an online condolence visit www.rossgwalker.com