Loreen Joy Shearer

Loreen Joy Shearer, 90, of Spokane, Washington, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus on Saturday, January 10, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Loreen will be remembered for her faith, her love and support of family and her generous spirit.

Born on July 24, 1935 in Foothills, Washington, Loreen was the daughter of Howard and Neva McLaughlin. When she was born, she joined three older sisters, Alta, Lyla and Elaine. The McLaughlin family rented houses and land in Foothills and moved a number of times through the years. Loreen and her sisters attended the Foothills School for their elementary years. Four more siblings joined the family over the next nineteen years, Bruce, Sandra, Kathleen and Sheila. Loreen spent her high school years at West Valley where she graduated in 1953. After high school she attended Lutheran Bible Institute, Seattle, for one semester.

Loreen married the love of her life and her best friend, Carl Irvin Shearer on September 24, 1955. In 2025 they celebrated 70 years of marriage. Loreen had such a sweet personality and this is what drew Carl to her. Carl and Loreen bought property in Foothills in 1957. They moved a small house onto the land, which they lived in for two years while building their home. The Shearer couple had three children, Donald in 1956, Michael in 1958 and Carol in 1959. They lived their entire married life in Foothills where they were very active at Foothills Community Church. They attended Family Camp for 40 years in a row and also enjoyed activities with friends as well as family picnics and gatherings.

Loreen worked as a secretary for the Spokesman Review off and on for a number of years. In 1979 she became the first secretary of Foothills Community Church and she served in this position for 19 years. Her main responsibility was reaching out to people through phone calls and cards. She continued this ministry of encouragement for the rest of her life. She was also known for her gifts of homemade cookies and jam, her infectious smile and her genuine sweetness. Carl says, “If her blue eyes don’t get you, the sunshine of her smile sure will!”

Loreen is survived by her husband, Carl, her children, Don (Rene) and Carol, four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and six siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Mike and sister, Lyla.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Foothills Community Church.