Lois Ann Shearer

Lois Ann Shearer 1919-2017 Lois Ann Shearer of Fountain Hills passed away peacefully September 19, 2017, in her sleep while residing at Fountain View Village. Her neighbors, friends, family, and caregivers provided a circle of care and comfort that surrounded her with love. Lois Ann was born August 7, 1919, to Lawrence and Emma Shearer at Mercy Hospital, Benton Harbor, Michigan. She often expressed her affection and appreciation for the upbringing and values her parents instilled. During her years at Benton Harbor High School, she proudly served in the Girl's Drum Corp and was her class valedictorian. She graduated from Kalamazoo College receiving a B.A. in sociology in 1941. She then pursued a B.S, R.N in Nursing Education and Public Health from the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1945. During her college years in MN, she served in the U.S. WW II Cadet Nursing Corps. She later received a M.P.H. In Public Health Nursing Administration and Epidemiology from the University of California - Berkeley while working for the California Department of Health in 1957. Lois Ann began her professional career as a nursing instructor and also worked as a public health nurse in Minnesota and California. She was then employed by the CDC working with the Hopi and Zuni Native Americans in Phoenix, Arizona as well as living and researching in Costa Rica. She began her career with the Department of Health for the State of California in 1952 working primarily with hospital infection control. Lois Ann was lead author and contributed to multiple professional published articles. Her last assignment was working for the Pan American Health Org. / World Health Org. in Guatemala. After retiring in 1984, Lois Ann moved to Fountain Hills. Lois Ann was a unique and independent spirit. There were no missed opportunities, for Lois Ann embraced and enjoyed each meeting, moment, and contact of her 98 years that were indeed fulfilling, fruitful, and adventurous. Lois Ann truly lived an amazing, vibrant life - full of good friends, conversation, food, music, art, culture, travel, and wine (champagne being her favorite). It was a privilege to know Lois Ann, engage in a lively conversation, and cherish her friendship. Lois Ann's lasting legacy will be her example of supporting and encouraging people, expressing beliefs, and keeping an open mind while offering kindness. Lois Ann is survived by her nephew, Bruce Shearer, her nieces, Valerie (Dave) Losinski and Robin (Steve) Moritz, and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Larry Shearer, as well as her beloved pets through time – Taku, Shadow, Bear, and Luv. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to a charity of choice in Lois Ann's memory. Honoring Lois Ann's wishes, the Neptune Society will perform a sea scattering in the Pacific Ocean from the port of San Francisco near her favorite California location - Carmel-by-the-Sea. A celebration for Lois Ann is being planned for January 6, 2018, in Fountain Hills to honor and remember Lois Ann and her life well lived. She will be missed dearly by her Arizona and midwest families and faithful friends. .