Jean Marilyn Shugert

Jean Schleicher-Shugert, age 75, of Lewis Center, OH, died Tuesday, January 30, after a courageous battle with kidney cancer. Born July 12, 1942, Jean grew up in Marine City, Michigan, on a major river, where she developed a love of water and sailing. She graduated from Marine City High School, as the class valedictorian, in 1960, and from Capital University in 1964, with a degree in teaching. This led to a life-long love of children, their education—and of touching the future. In the 1980s, she earned a Master’s degree, and went on to teach gifted children in grades 4 and 5. She was named Teacher of the Year twice, in the 1990s.
She was married to David L Shugert, a pastor at Epiphany Lutheran Church, for 47 years. The two of them became well-known, and much-loved, for their caring hearts and gift for hospitality and outreach. Jean and Dave, with their sons, Mike and Matt, served parishes in Montana and Ohio, over the course of 35 years.
Jean is survived by sons Mike and Matt (Joy), of Westerville and Silver Spring, respectively. She is also survived by brothers John (Phil), Jim (Livvy), brother-in-law Richard (Peg), granddaughter Tessa, grandson Ronan, sister-in-spirit Anne, nephews and nieces— Stephen (Magda), Annie (Jenn), Sarah (Ben), Lisa, Mara (Uwe), Nathan (Lauren), Maria, Rick (Jennifer) and many second cousins—and a vast array of friends, from all walks of life, from all over the world. Her legacy and impact are immeasurable.
In addition to her husband, Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Wilma and Edmund Schleicher, of Woodville, OH.
Friends may visit Jean’s family at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 268 Hill Road North, Pickerington, OH, from 5-9PM on Friday, February 2, and from 9:30-11AM on Saturday, February 3. The funeral will be held at Epiphany on Saturday, February 3, at 11 AM. Officiating will be Pastor Brad Gee, Pastors Craig and Wendy Richter, and Pastor Richard Walston.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Luther Home of Mercy (Williston, OH), Epiphany Lutheran Church (Pickerington, OH), All Shepherd’s Lutheran Church (Delaware, OH), or Cozy Cat Cottage Adoption Center (Powell, OH).

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