Margaret O. Shoemaker

Margaret Oleta Shoemaker, 99, passed peacefully to her heavenly home on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in her home, where many of her family were able to visit with her during the last weeks of her life, provide comfort, and share precious memories.

Margaret was born on  November 24, 1923 in Christian County, KY to the late Omer and Kate (Johnson) Gamble.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Willis Dale Shoemaker.  Also preceding her in death was her sister, Gwen Heynssens.

Margaret and her late husband were graduates of Riley High School, though they did not meet until a few years later at Central Evangelical United Brethren Church, where they were joined in marriage on July 4, 1947. Margaret leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Linda (Harlan) Devore of Fayetteville, NC, Kathy (Thomas) Allen of Sarasota, FL, and Larry (Diane) Shoemaker of South Bend; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Devore, Amanda (Bryan) Shumaker, Christine (Kevin) Mangum, Amy (Chris) Ashe, Andrew (Jenny) Allen, Kaitlyn Shoemaker, and Benjamin Shoemaker; ten great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.  Her nephew, Paul Heynssens, also survives her.

When Willis retired from the South Bend Police force in 1974, he and Margaret relocated to Oak Park, IL, to begin a new adventure with his career in police administration.  Margaret joined the underwriting department with Wausau Insurance in Chicago, and enjoyed her daily commute into the city.  After Willis’s passing in 1979, Margaret returned to South Bend, where she worked with friend and family member, Hildred Widener, at the Centre Township Assessor’s Office.

Many life-long friendships began at Community Baptist Church. Margaret enjoyed travel, dinner theater, musicals, and time with her family and friends.  She also looked forward to time with her Riley Lunch Bunch.  Margaret enjoyed politics, and during her final years, kept everyone informed with all the news she read on her iPad.  Her sharp mind and wonderful sense of humor never failed her.

The family is forever grateful to her caregiver and friend, Ruth, and the nurses and staff of Caring Cove Hospice.

A service celebrating the life of Margaret will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Community Baptist Church, 5715 Miami Street, South Bend.  Pastor Joe Fant will officiate.  Friends may visit with the family beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the church.  A private burial will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Bourbon.  Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Margaret Shoemaker may be sent to Caring Cove Hospice, 3120 N. Home Street, Mishawaka, IN  46545, or Community Baptist Church, 5715 Miami Rd, South Bend, IN 46614. 

Online condolences may be offered to the Shoemaker family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.