Annmarie Shaer, age 74, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024 at her home. As it was throughout her life, in her last days she was surrounded by loving family and friends.
Born on April 4, 1950 in Springfield, Annmarie was the daughter of the late Domit J. and Eva (Naelon) Shaer. She grew up in Agawam and worked at her family’s store, Shaer’s Market in Feeding Hills. Annmarie graduated from Agawam High School and continued her education at Holyoke Hospital School of Nursing, where she earned her diploma in 1971. She worked as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital for 40-plus years and later at Harrington Hospital before retiring.
Annmarie is survived by a daughter, Christine Pollender and her husband Michael of Springfield; a sister, Catherine Shaer MD and her husband Victor Sank PhD of Rockville, Maryland; three brothers, Joseph Shaer and his partner, Debra Riley of Feeding Hills; Thomas Shaer and his wife, Lisa Shelnitz of Scottsdale, AZ and John Shaer and his wife, Lynne of Rockville, MD; a sister-in-law, Nancy Tine Shaer of Melrose. Annmarie leaves one beloved grandchild, Jamie Pollender, her “little sweetie.” She was predeceased by a brother, James D. Shaer and a sister-in-law, Nancy Rainbow Shaer.
In addition, Annmarie was blessed with her cousins, Kathleen Keefe Ternes DVM and Lloyd Ternes of Salem and Donna Keefe of Salisbury, as well as many other cousins, nieces, and nephews. She had many friends, none truer than Barbara Wanczyk of South Hadley, whom she met in nursing school.
Annmarie deeply loved animals and had many cats and dogs throughout her life. She also enjoyed history, particularly of the Civil War, as well as culture and art, attending many programs at the Springfield Museums and around Western Massachusetts. This was a woman with an adventurous spirit who traveled to diverse places including Lebanon, England, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Alaska and the American Southwest. Annmarie could play the harmonica and for years regularly played golf. She loved gardening and was a member of the Springfield Garden Club since 2018.
Calling hours will be held on the morning of the funeral, Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. preceding a Celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. Burial will follow in Springfield Street Cemetery, Agawam.
Memorial contributions may be made to Dakin Humane Society, Doctors Without Borders or the American Civil Liberties Union. Annmarie specifically requested that no donations be made to right-wing causes in her name.
For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com.