Jean Dolores Shumaker

Jean Dolores Shumaker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, at the age of 91. Jean was born on January 12, 1935, to John and Juliette (Huberdeau) St. George, in Wapato, Washington. She was the second oldest of nine children.

As a child, she enjoyed drawing, creating her own dolls out of repurposed materials, babysitting, reading, and learning. She attended St. Joseph Academy and worked for the school to assist with her tuition.

After graduating, Jean met the love of her life, Larry Shumaker. They were wed on October 27, 1956, and shared 57 years of marriage, until his passing in 2014. Jean and Larry began their family, welcoming their five children, John (Terry) Shumaker, Mark (Sara) Shumaker, Lori Shumaker, Terri (Donald) Zugner, and Jimmy (Megan) Shumaker.

In her early life, Jean worked as a telephone operator. Then, for many years, Jean devoted herself to being a homemaker and raising her children. She poured creativity and love into her family, even making clothing for her children. Her home was always tidy, yet still warm and welcoming, always open for family to return to. She loved to cook and bake and became especially well known for her perfect pies, a talent and tradition that became part of the memories that her family cherished.

Jean was an avid reader and devout Catholic. She spent years serving her community and was a member for 47 years and Past President of Young Ladies Institute. She relied on her faith throughout everything in life.

One of Jean’s sweetest traits was her ability to see the good in anyone and the possible silver linings in any situation. She was a natural caregiver, helping to raise her siblings, eventually helping raise their children, along with her own children and then her grandchildren. Once her own children were grown, Jean returned to work as a preschool teacher, teaching classes at St. Paul Cathedral School, until her retirement. Thanks to her warm and caring nature and her love for children, stories, songs, and crafts, she became affectionately known as “Grandma Jean” by generations of students and families.

The world lost one of its brightest lights when we lost Jean. Everyone who knew Jean loved her. Her cheer and kindness was constant throughout her life and remained with her even through her final days.

Jean is preceded in death by her mother and father, her siblings, Jack, Mabel, Darlene, Carol Ann, Pauline, and Donald, two stillborn children, her niece, Karlene, and her devoted husband, Larry. Jean is survived by and will be greatly missed by her siblings, Eddie (Carol), Rose Ann (Johnny “Butch”), and Karen (Larry), her five children, 19 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and many others whose lives she touched.

A Viewing and Vigil will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 6:00pm, at St. Paul’s Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10:00am, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, followed by a Luncheon Reception in the Diocesan Center (former St. Paul School Cafeteria). A Graveside Service will be held at Calvary Cemetery, following the Reception, at 1:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to your favorite charity that supports children and sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936), who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.