Obituary of Mary Pearson

PEARSON - Mary Shields, died at her home in Farmers Branch, Texas, on the evening of Dec. 14, 2005, after a heroic battle with cancer. Mary was born to Dr. F.K. Shields and Frances Little Shields on March 6, 1940, in Johnstown, Pa. She is survived by two brothers, Peter F. Shields of Ocean Reef, Fla., and Thomas A. Shields of Beverly Farms, Mass.; stepsons, Jim Berry Pearson Jr. and Terry Lee Pearson; granddaughter, Alison Meredith Pearson; numerous nieces, nephews and many close loving friends, including Robert A. Parma and Ruth Hancock. Mary's talents were numerous and outstanding. Early in life, she was a wonderful student and exceptional athlete at Mount Aloysius Academy in Cresson, Pa., and Seton Hill College in Greensburg, Pa. She taught in the Maryland School system until marrying Dr. Jim Berry Pearson in 1972. Mary and Jim moved to Denton, Texas, where Jim was provost and head of the history department at University of North Texas. Jim and Mary wrote and edited the history of Texas textbooks used for many years in the Texas public school system. In 1992, Mary earned a doctorate of philosophy at University of North Texas. She later developed her skills as a creative writer, motivational speaker, lecturer and exceptional sportswoman. Tennis was her passion. She won numerous tennis tournaments over the years, including several age group state championships in Texas. Dr. Mary Pearson was a masterful member of the Addison Writer's Critique group, where she used her talents to instill confidence and hope in those willing to take the plunge into the treacherous world of publishing. Mary will be remembered for her spontaneous laugh, magnetic personality, energetic spirit and unflagging loyalty. Her friends are scattered worldwide. A memorial service was held in Farmers Branch, Texas, on Dec. 17, 2005. A burial service will be held in Ebensburg, Pa., in spring 2006. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Dr. F.K. and Frances L. Shields Scholarship Fund, St. Francis University, Development Office, P.O. Box 600, Loretto, Pa. 15940, in Mary's memory.