Celeste Lynn Shear

Celeste Lynn Shear, 74, of Glenville, New York, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on April 22, 2025.
Celeste was born on August 4, 1950 to her late parents, John and Nellie (Chapman) Buffum. Celeste spent her childhood in Slingerlands, New York, and later moved to Clifton Park, graduating from Shenendehowa High School in 1968. She continued her education at the Junior College of Albany and then later earned a degree in Business Administration from Schenectady County Community College. Shortly after graduating she started in the workforce as a telephone operator with New York Telephone.
Celeste took some time to start a family and once her children were older, she embraced her entrepreneurial spirit by establishing a cleaning service which she successfully ran for over twenty years. Later, wanting to try something new, she worked at the Kripalu Center in Albany, and then became a court videographer in the capital district for several years.
Celeste was first married to William Finkle in 1971 and her world was filled with love and family. Beginning with her most significant role as a mother, she raised her children, Tracy and William, in Glenville, New York. Celeste always made it clear to her family how much she loved being a mom. Her children remember her unwavering support, volunteering at school, attending school activities, and always being there to cheer them on. Celeste loved to find creative ways to make life fun for her family, from creating holiday scavenger hunts to playing practical jokes on April fools day. She was always the person that her family could count on to celebrate life's joys and to support them during times of challenge. Celeste loved to experience life and to learn new things and to share them with her family. Whatever she did, she did with enthusiasm and dedication. She loved theatre, especially musicals, a joy which she shared with her children and grandchildren. She spent some time acting in children's plays, loved to attend live music performances, and did her best to fully enjoy life.
In 1994 Celeste's life blossomed further when she met James Leo Shear. The pair met through their shared passion for skiing with the Out of Control Ski Club. They found that their adoration and shared interests were the start of a beautiful life together. Celeste and Jim referred to each other as their soul mates, and they blended their families into one when they married in 1995. They have spent the past 30 years going on adventures, watching their family grow, and spending time with their ten grandchildren.
From a young age, Celeste felt a desire to contribute to the community and create positive change. She volunteered at food pantries, in political campaigns, and especially at her church. Her strong faith made the church a perfect place for connecting with the community. For years she participated in the Fresh Air Program by inviting children into her home and inviting them to camp with her family in the adirondacks. She was an active part of the children's programs at Zion Lutheran Church in Schenectady. Later, her community spirit shone brightly at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glenville, where she volunteered for various initiatives, including the food pantry, and youth activities.
Celeste's passion for life was infectious, teaching her children and all who knew her to appreciate the wonders of nature, from the beauty of flowers to the majesty of mountain views and ocean waves. She was a caretaker of animals, a friend to the birds, and a nurturer of plants. Celeste lovingly raised monarch butterflies, planted flowers for the bees, and truly loved all living creatures. Her passing on Earth Day, seems a fitting tribute to a woman who truly loved and appreciated our majestic planet and all its living creatures.
Her adventurous spirit was evident through her love of the outdoors. Celeste enjoyed many activities such as; skiing, hiking, camping, swimming and kayaking. She loved being outside walking or spending time in her garden. Her favorite place was the ocean, especially the shores of Maine, where she vacationed often with her parents, children, and later her grandchildren. She loved the ocean air, the energy of the sea, and her favorite meal of lobster. Celeste loved to dive in the waves and was still boogie-boarding with her grandchildren well into her 70s.
Celeste leaves behind a legacy of love and adventure, survived by her loving husband, James Leo Shear; her children, Tracy Clark (Christopher), William Finkle (Nancy), Joe Shear, Jeff Shear, Jame Shear (Cailin), Jon Shear, and her cherished grandchildren; Grace, Josh, Jacob, Zoey, Anthony, Thomas, Peyton, Allison, Finnley, and Jackson. She was predeceased by her former husband, William S. Finkle.
The family wishes to thank Community Hospice, The Good Shepherd, and Saratoga Palliative Care for their compassionate care during these difficult times.
Calling hours will be held at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glenville, New York, on Saturday, May 17th, from 9 AM to 11 AM. A service celebrating her life will immediately follow at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 547 Saratoga Road · Glenville, New York 12302. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Celeste, please visit our floral store.