Mary A. Green

Mary A. Green

August 25, 1953 – January 31, 2020

 

Mary Ann Green (Shackelton) was born August 25, 1953 in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Donald and Wilma Shackelton, and passed away on January 31, 2020 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Mary attended Omaha North high school and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in Journalism.  Mary worked for the local newspaper in Broken Bow, Nebraska and shared many stories of her adventures in Western Nebraska, with her German Shepherd, Mr. Henry, by her side.  Broken Bow was also the early home for Mary and her husband, Langdon Paul Green.  Mary and Paul later divorced but remained close and shared an unwavering affection for their two children, Becky and Matt.

Mary was an impressive writer and investigative journalist who also had an interest in accounting. This interest grew into a long-time career with the Internal Revenue Service.  Mary served in varying roles in her over 25 years of service to the IRS and made lasting friendships.

In her retired years, Mary found great joy in continuing to serve taxpayers through volunteering.  Mary also found joy in her pets: a German Shepherd, Spike, and cat, Syracuse, from Becky and Matt’s childhood, as well as a Sheltie, named CJ and her newest pet, a Sheltie, Max.  Mary would spend hours reading or keeping up with the Oscar nominated films.  She enjoyed going to the movies with her family and friends.

Mary loved her family.  She was the sole caretaker for her aging parents and made sure her mother was always well taken care of.  Many weekends were spent grocery shopping, shopping for flowers or taking “Grammy” on adventures.

Mary also enjoyed traveling to visit her family and friends.  Her adventures included travel by plane, train and automobile.  Mary traveled with her companion, Jim Seaton, who she shared many good times and laughs with.  Mary achieved her life-long dream to visit Disneyland in 2019.

A highlight of Mary’s life was becoming a grandmother in 2010 when Aubrey was born to Becky.  She joked, at first, about being called “Grandmother” but the name stuck and soon Mary become more commonly known as Grandmother.  Mary bestowed so much love and wisdom upon Aubrey and her legacy will live on through Aubrey’s love and cherished memories of her Grandmother.

Many will remember Mary for her care and compassion for others.  She was only a phone call away and sometimes a call would last for hours or go into the late hours of the night or early hours of the morning.  Mary was also fond of texting emojis and engaging in a Words with Friends battle.  Mary also liked to spar a bit, and it’s her fierce spirit that she would want us to remember.

While it’s customary to comfort the grieving by saying the departed would not want us to be sad, it’s with certainty that Mary would want her loved ones to cherish the memories and not dwell in sadness.  Mary was fond of the saying, “life is for the living.”

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, William “Bill” Shackelton.  Survivors include her children, daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Green (Jacobs) and fiancé, Juan Cano, Omaha, NE and son, Matthew “Matt” Green (Erin), Madison, WI; companion, Jim Seaton, Omaha, NE; niece, Dona Harris (JR), Fresno, CA; great-niece, Jenny Di Redo (Chris); and four great-nephews, Fresno, CA; granddaughters, Aubrey Jacobs and Saje Cano, Omaha, NE; nephew, Chris Steinheider (Jen) and daughter, Eloise, Lincoln, NE; niece, Jessa Steinheider, (Akim), and sons, Wesley and Hudson, Lincoln, NE; cousin, Sharon Shackelton Smith, Midlothian, VI; neighbors and cherished friends.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, February 6th, 1pm, at the West Center Chapel.

 

 

 

 

6 Comments

  • Andrea Talbot Posted February 3, 2020 7:55 pm

    Sending our love during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss, Becky <3

  • Patricia Jansen Posted February 4, 2020 2:48 pm

    Mary was my neighbor for 14 years. I will miss seeing her. My condolences to the family.

  • Stephanie Vik Posted February 4, 2020 7:18 pm

    What a beautiful remembrance. Finding the right words to comfort someone who is grieving is impossible, but know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Her strength and wisdom will live on through all of you.

  • Saje Cano Posted February 4, 2020 9:26 pm

    I will forever love and miss grandmother <3

  • Jennifer Papproth Posted February 5, 2020 6:58 pm

    What beautiful words to remember your mom by. I’m thinking of you during this time. Extend my thoughts to Aubrey, Juan and Saje. 💖💖

  • Carlos L Frey Posted May 18, 2020 2:13 pm

    …I met Mary in 1990 or 91 during an organized bike ride across Nebraska…(BRAN). She rode with gusto…and made it all the way across the state…roughly 450 miles. She was fun to ride alongside.
    …At some point, we became Facebook friends and corresponded from time to time. I always marveled at her writing creativity…as she had quite the imagination. I only learned today of her journalism background.
    …I miss Mary. >3

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