Obituary of Jennifer Dawn Shearer

On August 17th, 2023, Jennifer peacefully passed away at Boundary Trails Health Centre, following a lengthy journey with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) at the age of 49 years, with her loving husband by her side. Jennifer is survived by her beloved husband of 27 years, David Shearer, her four children Tristan Shearer, Cassandra Shearer, Cameron Shearer, and Jessica Shearer (Toby Penner), her parents Jack Ireland and Wendy Ireland, her brother Christopher Ireland (Shannon Ireland), her aunt Ann Peachman, her nieces Ceanna Ireland and Lily Jacques, and her nephews Joshua Ireland and lan Shearer. Also left to cherish her memory are Patricia Brett, Maurice Goulet, Kathy Shearer, Stewart Jacques, Don and Karen Shearer, Daniel and Soojin Shearer. She is also survived by countless friends, many of whom came to visit her often and brought joy to her days. A special thank you to Deanna Waldner, Pearl Plett, Rana Roberts, and Jay and Valerie Wiebe, who went above and beyond and held a powerful friendship with Jennifer. Jennifer was predeceased by her grandparents Luffey and Florence Everson, and her uncle Bill Peachman. Jennifer lived life to the fullest, and enjoyed so many things. Notably she ran marathons and half-marathons in Treeherne, Winnipeg, Toronto, Thunder Bay, and Regina, many of which were in honor of those who had passed, or were experiencing struggles and "were running a harder race than her," gifting the medals to them or their families following completion. Writing and acting were also strong passions for Jennifer, and she penned many short stories, as well as a play called "My Dance in the Rain" which was performed in the Manitoba Fringe Festival when she was still in high school and featured her in the cast. During her illness she also wrote a children's book called "A Different Duck". Jennifer's love for children was boundless, and extended beyond the fierce love she felt for her own children through her career as an early childhood educator (ECE) in both Winnipeg and Morris, despite her illness she obtained her ECE II through Red River College, and many will remember the powerful image of her standing from her wheelchair to accept her certificate during her graduation. She also loved all things to Disney, and enjoyed many trips to Disney World, as well as travel to other countries. She enjoyed hiking and camping and many family camping trips will be cherished forever. The funeral service will be held Thursday, August 24, 2023, 3:00 pm at the Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite Church. The family wishes to thank everyone who helped them during this time, including everyone who brought meals to our house for many years. Thank you to Pearl Plett and Deanna Waldner who came by many times to spend time with Jennifer. Thank you to Holly Gilson and Katherine Neyedly, thank you also to the staff at Boundary Trails Health Centre and the staff at Heavenly Care Agency. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the MSA Coalition. Jennifer brought so much joy into all of our lives, and we will miss her very much. Her strength was boundless and so was her optimism. In her words, "I never have had a day that did not sparkle in some way." To watch the funeral service live please go to: https://www.youtube.com/live/zPIfsZZXMkU?si=pD_hHHaC9JkbwOEH