Lynn Wilson Shearman (née Marilyn “Lynn” Carol Hill), 96, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13th, in Vero Beach, Florida, where she had made her home for the past 25 years.

Born on July 8, 1928, in Oak Park, Illinois, Lynn was the only child of George C. Hill and Nell Hill (nee Viritisch). She spent her early years in Oak Park, and attended Oak Park High School. Lynn was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Joseph Wilson, whom she married on January 21, 1950, and her second husband, Thomas B. Shearman, whom she married on November 25, 1992. She is survived by her seven children, Scott (Denise), Mark (Laura), Todd (Debbie), Amy, Ward (Edward), Brian (Margaret), and Eric (Lynda), as well as her fifteen grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Lynn’s life was defined by her commitment to her family, her community, and her passions. After marrying Bob, she devoted herself to raising their seven energetic children, and always finding time to contribute to her community in meaningful ways. She volunteered as the “Picture Lady” at the local public elementary school, bringing art and creativity into classrooms and helped establish a learning center and an educational resource room to support learning at the children’s parochial grammar school. She canvassed for women in politics, championed the Equal Rights Amendment, and poured her energy, for almost two decades, into producing the monthly League of Women Voters’ “Shop Talk” and “Observer Reports” newsletters.

When her youngest started school, Lynn began working alongside her husband Bob at their business, Circle Hardware, where she found her niche managing the decorative hardware department. After Bob’s passing, Lynn connected with Tom, a high school acquaintance she met at a reunion. The two married in 1992, eventually settling in Vero Beach, Florida, where Lynn embraced her hobbies and interests with enthusiasm. She found peace in bird-watching by her pond, delighted in creating intricate embroidered pillows and framed art, and remained an avid reader throughout her life. For several years she earned the “Volunteer of the Year Award” for her work at the Mental Health Association in Indian River County. Together Tom and Lynn hosted family and friends at their John’s Island condominiums sharing the beach and ocean that offered nature and respite.  Her adventurous spirit took her around the world to visit museums, nature and enjoying the cultures of Japan, China, Kenya, Brazil, numerous European countries and even Antarctica.

Lynn lived a rich and fulfilling life. She will be missed by all who loved her.