Joan Mary Shedd, 86, of Manistee, formerly of Greenville, died Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at the Manistee County Medical Care Facility in Manistee. She was born Aug. 30, 1931, in Manistee County, the daughter of Earl and Frances (Baatz) McCary.

Joan graduated from Dickson High School in Brethren, as valedictorian of her class and participated in many class and school activities.

On July 14, 1973, Joan married Dale Lee Shedd. They shared an interest in flowers, gardening, boating, fishing, and country music. Joan and Dale enjoyed 42 years of traveling and enjoying life together.

Joan experienced nursing at many levels, beginning her career as an LPN in 1950. She earned her RN degree in 1957 at Rockingham Memorial School of Nursing in Harrisburg, Virginia.

Joan worked as a staff nurse and eventually as supervisor of obstetrics at Little Traverse Hospital in Petoskey for over 25 years. Throughout that period of time, she managed to earn a BSN at Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisburg, Virginia. Interested specifically in maternal/child nursing, she went on to the University of Colorado where she received her MSN.

Joan was assistant professor of nursing at Kirkhoff School of Nursing at Grand Valley State University in Allendale. The Director of Nursing said Joan had been an innovative and creative instructor, and loyal and committed to the school and her students. Joan was honored at a retirement party in 1995 and was presented with a plaque in formal recognition of her 18 year commitment of nursing to Grand Valley State University. She retired as Professor Emeritus in 1995.

Joan is survived by her brother, Franklyn (Sue) Lee McCary, of Traverse City; two sisters-in-law, Caroline McCary, of Manistee, and Edna Alexander, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dale; her sister, Effa Maue; and her brother, Robert McCary.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 5, 2018, at the Terwilliger Funeral Home, in Kaleva, with Pastor Lyle Swartz officiating. Interment will follow in the Brethren Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

The Terwilliger Funeral Home in Kaleva is in charge of arrangements; www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com.