Rack Shear, 99, of Beaumont, was at peace when she passed away Saturday, January 5, 2013, surrounded by those who loved her dearly. She was also called “Ma’am” by close friends and family.
Born July 25, 1913, to Omarine and Polan Duplichan, in Eunice, Louisiana, the family moved to Kinder, Louisiana, where she grew up. Rack moved to Beaumont in 1929, to attend Hotel Dieu Nursing School. There she met her dear friends Kate Dishman and Clem Brand. They remained close friends throughout their lives.
Rack married her beloved husband of fifty years, James Hooks Shear, on June 13, 1933.
She loved nothing better than donning a big straw hat and fishing for perch with a cane pole, being outside in her garden, cooking for and visiting with friends, traveling, and being with her family.
Rack was a founding member of the Annual Charity Cabaret, along with her beloved friend, Thekla Benckenstein, which funded the Cerebral Palsy Foundation; a member of the Minglewood Garden Club; a docent at the John J. French Trading Post; a docent at the Mamie McFaddin Ward home; and a member of the Ladies Guild at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
Oma is survived by her loved ones: daughter, Jo Shear Vance-Vaccarello and her husband, Tom, of Beaumont; grandchildren, Julie Bertolino and her husband, Frank, of Houston and Andrea Vaccarello Rowell and her husband, Jon, of Dallas; and great-grandson, Sam Bertolino of Houston.
She is preceded in death her parents; brother, J.D. Duplichan; daughter, Sherry Shear Grosse; and her beloved Hooks.
The family wishes to thank Eppie Hill, her wonderful and loving caregiver; the special people at Odyssey Hospice; Hebert James and Darrell Dyson for all their help; and especially Vida Hawn, who faithfully visited her every Sunday to give her communion when Rack was no longer able to attend church.
A gathering of Mrs. Shear’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, January 7, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 4090 Delaware, Beaumont with a reception to follow in Broce Hall at the church.
A committal will be 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 4090 Delaware, Beaumont, Texas 77706; Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas 77704; Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program, PMB 46, 148 South Dowlen Road,
Beaumont, Texas 77706; or to a charity of one’s choice.
