Ann Shembarger Obituary
Ann Shembarger, 85, of St. Joseph, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville, Michigan, with her family by her side.
Ann was born January 1, 1941, in Silze, Ukraine, the youngest of 7 children of Mychajlo and Kornelia (Pykarska) Zaluckyj. After WWII, she immigrated with her family to the United States.
Ann is survived by daughters, Patti Hambley, Kris (Cecil) Thomas, and Diana (Brent) Auer; brother, Stefan Zaluckyj; sister, Maria Pylypczak; grandchildren, Ellen (Joe) Francis, Sarah (Sam) Jones, and Kevin Auer; great-grandchildren, Samuel Jones, Theo Francis, and Susanna Jones. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; her parents, her brothers Emil, Petro and Alex Zaluckyj, and sister Julia Izak.
Ann graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1959 and Western Michigan University in 1974. She began her teaching career with Bangor Public Schools before joining Watervliet Public Schools, where she taught third grade and reading. Through her years in education, Ann dedicated herself to helping young minds learn and grow.
Her caring nature extended beyond the classroom. Ann was active in her church and found joy in visiting homebound members, cherishing the friendships and connections she made along the way. She also enjoyed flower gardening, crafting, sewing, and painting. A talented and creative woman, Ann often shared her handmade creations with family and friends, bringing a little beauty and thoughtfulness into the lives of those around her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor. Visitation will be from 5-7 on Tuesday, October 27, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with the Rosary recited at 6:30 pm. There will be a private burial at North Shore Memory Gardens. The family recommends those wishing to honor Ann consider a memorial donation to Readiness Center, Inc (347 Catalpa Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022) or Birth Right (2700 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, MI 49085).
