Catherine A. Shearer, 78, of Zolfo Springs, Fla., passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.
Catherine was born on April 27, 1945, in Niles, Mich., to Allan and Catherine (Simpson) Gabbaert.
Cathy was a tireless worker who overcame poverty to raise five children many times with little help. She was a production supervisor in Elkhart, prior to retirement. She was a wonderful loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who will be greatly missed. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and reading. She was a member of Brookside Stitchers.
She married David Shearer on March 2, 1996, in Plymouth at Calvary Lutheran Church where she was a member from 1996-2012 with Pastor Jeff Paterson officiating. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Huntington, from 2012-2019, then became a member of Peace Valley Lutheran Church, in Wauchula, Fla. when they moved there.
She is preceded in death by both of her parents, and sister Sandy Carter, granddaughter Brandie Longfellow.
Cathy is survived by her loving husband David Shearer; children Catherine (Steve) Roberts of Zolfo Springs, Fla., John (Marla) Vandegrift of Huntington, Don Vandegrift, Elkhart, Sharon (Tim) McGuin of Huntington, Kevin (Lori) Bendit of Greenwood; her brother Oliver Gabbeart of Michigan; 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Services were Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Peace Valley Lutheran Church in Wauchula, Fla., with Pastor Anthony Arias officiating. The interment will be at Pilgrim Rest Cemetery in Huntington, Indiana.
