Obituary: Vera “Sally” Shann

As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:

It is with some sadness but also great joy that the family shares that Vera “Sally” Shann has passed through this life and is on to the next. Vera (Sally) J. Shann, 97, of Sparta, died May 27, 2023, at Morrow Memorial Home. She was born April 12, 1926, to Clinton and Frances (Sheldon) Lint. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband Ernest Shann, her brothers William and Kenneth Lint, and her grandson, Christopher Shann. Sally is survived by her three children, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren: Nancy (PJ) Sikorsky of Sparta; daughters Erin (Jon) Sikorsky- Stewart of Washington DC, Margaret and Theodore; and Tatiana (Dan) Wiersema of Austin, TX, Jack. Walter (Heidi) Shann of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; daughter Wrindy (Joe) Hauser of Caldonia, MI; Hailley and Wyatt; Darryl (Karla) Shann of Bark River, MI; daughter Sarah (Jon) Rush of Clarkston, MI and son David Shann of Stony Brook, New York.

She is also survived by three half brothers, James Gifford, of Tucson, AZ; Raymond Gifford of Olympia, Washington; and Howard Gifford of Reed City, MI, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Sally graduated from Edmore, MI high school at the age of 17. She earned a Bachelor’s from Central Michigan University at a time when women graduating from college was somewhat unusual. She taught high school math in several schools in Michigan. Later she earned a Master’s degree in Reading and began teaching elementary school. Sally taught hundreds of children and adults to read, and also led an adult reading program on social justice through the United Methodist Church. She taught all her family to be avid readers.

Sally loved to garden, to quilt and to travel. She visited 49 of the 50 states, as well as Canada, Mexico and Europe. She was a generous supporter of her church, a 50-year member of the VFW auxiliary, and a Lifetime Member Supporter of the VFW Home for Children.

Sally worked very hard all her life to give her family the best life she could. She loved her kids, grandkids and great grandkids, as well as her friends especially from The United Methodist Church, Eastern Star and MaryCrest. Her family will miss her terribly but they are comforted by happy memories. The family thanks everyone at the Sparta Morrow Home Community and Mayo Hospice for all the years of care. Memorials may be sent to The Sparta United Methodist Church or the Holmen Area Library.

A funeral as well as a Star Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 15, 2023 at the United Methodist Church in L’Anse. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Sally’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com.