Some how we missed your moms passing.  We loved both your mom and dad so much.   Their unwavering convictions and passion for Jesus is evident in their legacy.  Your family has forever impacted the world for Jesus

My third grade teacher Mrs. Sheneman died recently at the venerable age of 92. As described in her obituary, “For more than 25 years she taught second, third or fourth grade at Glencairn School in East Lansing. She had high expectations for each of her students and loved them dearly.”

Our school was in close proximity to Michigan State University, “The Spartans of East Lansing.” In the East Lansing Public Schools, academic standards were high and early reading skills were essential. I was most fortunate to have an elementary school teacher like Mrs. Sheneman who reached out to me and helped me hone both my reading skills and my passion for reading. Mrs. Sheneman, along with my Mom, Mrs. Lettie C. Green, both read to me constantly and introduced me to the world of literacy. 

A good teacher is never forgotten. As William Arthur Ward wrote, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” Mrs. Sheneman always expected the most of all of her students and we left her classroom inspired and fully confident in our own ability to read, write, and learn. 

The news of her death saddened me but it also brought back happy memories of my eight year old self and the joy of her nurturing classroom. Mrs. Sheneman helped make me an avid reader. After being in her class, I started reading all the time on my own—especially comic books such as Superman, The Flash, and Richie Rich, as well as science fiction authored by Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and Frank Herbert Jr. She also helped set the stage for my research—on display when I wrote my first major research paper in eighth grade on the Great Depression (also aided by my first editor, my dad!).  

These critical literacy and learning experiences ultimately led me to pursue a career in engineering and technology research, inspired, in part, by my early enchantment with science fiction and fantasy books. The high expectations of my parents and older brothers Vince and Kurt, meant that I was immersed in reading from the age of two years on.  I know that I owe my current career success to both my nurturing family and my superb and loving teacher Mrs. Sheneman. A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.  Thank you, Mrs. Sheneman, for lighting the way for me.

My deepest sympathy to Marge's family. 

 I taught with her my first 5 years in East Lansing.  Marge had deep caring for everyone, her colleagues and her students.  She was supportive of all of us.  She was always a professional.

 She was a model for all people, but women in particular.  She went back to school to complete her teaching degree as an "older" student, and to use that degree after her children were grown.

She was kind to everyone and always greeted everyone with a smile.

Jackie Fuller

Mrs.Sheneman was my 2nd and 3rd grade teacher at Glencairn. She still ranks tops in my book for teachers. She encouraged you, challenged you, respected you, and kept you (especially me) in line. I still can picture that black hair and glasses. 
My condolences go out to the family. She was a wonderful woman.
Steve Piotter

Dear Jean, Joan, and John,
   As you know, Marge was one of my mother's best friends for as long as I can remember!  As a child, my parents (Milton and Marion Berg)and I (Marye Lynn)spent countless hours with Vic, Marge, and their family.  They hosted many, many activities at their homes over the years.  With Vic's help, Marge put on beautiful and delicious meals, and together they were the ultimate host and hostess.
  In later years they retained their close friendship when my parents lived at Timber Ridge Assisted Living.  When Mom and Dad were no longer able to attend their beloved Trinity Church, Marge and Vic would deliver the Sunday bulletins when they stopped by for their weekly visits.  What a long and wonderful friendship these two couples once enjoyed.
   Marge will always be remembered for her love of the Lord and her kindness and caring for others!  She embodied what Christ taught us all to do -- what a Christian Role Model she has been for all of us throughout her lifetime. 
   Now Marge and Vic, Mom and Dad are once again together celebrating Marge and Vic's 72nd wedding anniversary, as well as their reunion with their Heavenly Father!  What a celebration they must be having.
   Although we are unable to attend the service, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.   
   With love and sincere sympathy,
     Tom and Marye Lynn (Berg) Lepo

Mrs. Sheneman was my 2nd grade teacher at Glencairn. She was one of my favorite teachers.She made me love 2nd grade and learning.

I remember her fondly from both church and school. My condolences to your family.

Marge and Jesse Meliss were both teacher reps for the PTO at Glencairn, back when I was President.  I loved them both dearly and was pleased that all three of our children (Colin, Courtney and Kira) had Marge as their third grade teacher.  She was a toughlove instructor, who had high standards and expected/required the best from her students. I think that she should have been a mentor for teacher education as her methods really did produce results.  Her legacy will continue to cast a long shadow....
RIP Marge, your journey is over. Fondly, Dottie Spousta and family

Mrs. Sheneman was my teacher for 2nd and 3rd grade in the 1970s.  She was a great teacher and made a difference in so many young lives at Glencairn. I was shy and she was patient and positive with me. Thank you!

I always admired her smile, her example as mother, wife, teacher, her Christian convictions, and her hospitable spirit. My prayerful condolences to her extended family. With affection and hugs across the miles, Junette Morrill Schmitt

She touched so many lives in a positive and loving way. Well done Mrs. Sheneman.

Wonderful memories of my 2nd Grade year (1969).  Great, loving, no nonsense teacher.  A model for all teachers.

OBITUARY

Marjorie W. Sheneman

July 1, 1921 – March 24, 2014

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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