Ann Roberta Shuman

Ann Roberta Shuman passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her family at her home after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. She leaves behind her husband of 54 devoted years, Robert, daughters Sherri Curry of Maui, Sue Johnson of Mission Viejo, and Sandy Ballard of Hershey, PA. Ann leaves behind three son-in-laws Craig Johnson, Steve Ballard and Robin Curry. She was a loving grandmother of four grandsons Erik Johnson and his wife Amanda, Ryan Johnson and his fiancé Heather Anderson, Jake Johnson, and Jeffrey Ballard. Ann is survived by her sister, Karen and her husband, Bipin Shah of Whitefish Bay, Wis. She leaves behind her two lifelong friends Karen Freyerherd and Bonnie Featherly of West Allis, WI

Ann relished her calling as a hairdresser for 25 years especially with Kathy and Lolita and her many friends from the Blue Room. In her free-time, she was an energetic member of the Red Hat Society, a lively line-dancer, and an industrious member of the San Diego Miniature Club.

Ann was born in Milwaukee on January 19, 1937 to Annette and Leon Kemmeter. She spent many happy days in Oustberg, WI frolicking at the beach with her extended family including her cousin, Suzanne Roberts and Owen & Charlie Morse and Kathleen Roberts of Kohler, Wis.

Ann met Bob as an art major her freshman year at the University of Wisconsin at Madison where she made an impression with her sophisticated fashion sense and crashed a Future Homemaker’s dance where she met her future husband. Bob and Ann married on November 27, 1956 during a snowstorm in Wisconsin. Then they endured a year of separation during Bob’s service in Korea. She will be remembered as the supreme holiday hostess with a table that extended forever.

Ann lived three distinct lives: Starting as a city girl in Milwaukee and as a devoted daughter to elderly parents and a baby sister. She learned carpentry, electrical work, at her Dad’s knee and cooking for crowds from her mother. As a young woman she worked at the Square D factory.

In her next iteration she became a dairy farm wife and mother -- canning and growing her own food and cooking three robust meals for the workers. In her free time, she and Bob served as Foster Parents for teenage boys, Ann sewed matching apparel for her girls, and she hosted the Methodist Church Couple’s Club. For many years, Ann was a Sunday School teacher, 4-H and girl scout leader.

Ann was known to throw gala birthday parties with home-made theme cakes, whole grade school classes, lavish decorations and elaborate games. Along the way she became an avid antiquer who brought back to life dozens of heirloom treasures.

Ann and Bob reinvented themselves as Californians with the help of Owen and Kitty Morse. There years in sunny California were like a second honey-moon lasting almost three decades long. Ann and Bob were active square dancers with the Oceanside Waves – sporting matching costumes with sequins and fringe. Ann built exquisite dollhouses with running water and real electric lights. Ann embodied the spirit of Live Love Laugh and enjoyed life to its fullest.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 5th at 1 PM at the Chapel at Eternal Hills, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA.

Arrangements are under the direction of Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Mortuary, and Crematory, Oceanside, California.