Helen Shemberger

Shemberger, Helen E. White Pigeon Age 96, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017, at New Friends Memory Care & Assisted Living in Kalamazoo. She was born April 14, 1921, in Freeport, MI, a daughter of the late Owen H. Steckle and Lena M. (Smelker) Steckle. She was a graduate of Hastings High School in 1938 and had resided in Battle Creek from 1941-1954. On June 5, 1954, she married Robert Shemberger at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek. He preceded her in death on August 25, 2009. Helen graduated from Community Hospital School of Nursing in Battle Creek and received her registered nurse diploma in 1944. She was employed by Community Hospital as a registered nurse and supervisor for ten years. In 1954, she was employed by Sturgis Memorial Hospital as a surgical supervisor for 25 years, retiring in 1981. Helen was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of White Pigeon, a lifetime member of the Three Rivers chapter #210 Order of the Eastern Star and member of the local Bridge Club. Helen enjoyed flower gardening, cooking, making pies, playing cards and spending time with her grandchildren. Surviving are her son, Roger (Deb) Shemberger of Portage; two grandchildren, Tyler (Erin) Shemberger of Grand Rapids and Becca Shemberger of Kalamazoo; one great-grandson, Noble Shemberger; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; sister, Dorothy King; and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call from 5-8 PM Tuesday at the Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon. Services are at 11 AM Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church in White Pigeon, with the Rev. Steve Kozar officiating. Burial will be in White Pigeon Township Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of White Pigeon or the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.