Mary Ann Shymkewicz
November 22, 1937 – September 10, 2020
Mary Ann (Steinbrink) Shymkewicz, age 82, of Omaha, NE entered into eternal rest on Thursday, September 10, 2020.
Mary Ann was born in Falls City, Nebraska and was the first child born to Ralph and Nettie (Spears) Steinbrink. She was raised and schooled in Falls City, with her one brother, Stephen. Mary Ann graduated from Falls City High School with the class of 1956. After finishing high school, Mary Ann attended Peru State College, where she obtained a degree in Elementary Education.
After graduation, she moved to Omaha, NE to begin her career in teaching. Mary Ann taught at several different schools in the Omaha area, until she found Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. Ms. Shym loved teaching kindergarten and adored her students. In 1999, she retired after almost 40 years of teaching.
After moving to Omaha, Mary Ann met and married Gerald “Jerry” Shymkewicz. Together, they had three children, Shelley, Scott and Suzanne.
Throughout Mary Ann’s life she met several people, whom she considered life long friends. She loved to keep in contact with them, whether it be in person or via phone calls or hand written letters/cards. She valued each and every friendship she had. Mary Ann enjoyed getting to see her former students and hearing about how much their lives had changed since kindergarten. She was very thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in so many lives. Mary Ann was very passionate about her faith and would often talk about her love for God. In her free time, she loved reading romance novels, seeing movies and having lunch with her friends. Mary Ann’s greatest joys in her life were her children and grandchildren. She loved being a mom and grandma and she never turned down a chance to spend time with them.
Mary Ann is survived by children: Shelley (Joe) Richard, Scott Shymkewicz and Suzanne (Bruce) Myers; grandchildren: Allison Shymkewicz, Molly Myers, Lauren Shymkewicz, Levi Myers, Taylor Richard and Cole Richard; and brother, Stephen Steinbrink (Joan Hueffner). She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Nettie Steinbrink.
Mary Ann donated her body to the Anatomical Board of the State of Nebraska and will be cremated at a later date. The family will be holding a VISITATION following CDC guidelines: Saturday, September 19th from 9:30am to 10:30am, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (2110 S. 32nd Ave.) followed by MEMORIAL MASS at 10:30am. The family suggests memorials for Our Lady of Lourdes Scholarship fund.
24 Comments
My first and most influential teacher. Truly a beautiful soul.
Mrs Shymm was my favorite teacher. She brought joy everyday!!
Mrs. Shym was the best teacher ever, I am so proud to teach Kindergarten just like her.
Mrs. Shym has such a beautiful heart and loved every one of her children. She definitely touched a lot of hearts throughout her life. She will be missed. Lots of love to the family and friends.
Ms. SHYM – you were the best teacher ever!
You taught us to love numbers and letters.
You taught self reliance (we had to figure how to open our own milk & tie our own shoes!)
You were so fun! Every school performance is still compared to the Christmas Pageant! (I was a snow bear and had a pillow fight. You knew how to make every kid feel so special).
The Teddy Bear picnic was the best!
I can still remember exactly how you had your classroom set up. You inspired so many lifelong learners & future teachers.
With loving gratitude,
Colleen (Williams) Durante
OLL class of 1996
OLL class of 93’ here. I am 41 years old and I STILL REMEMBER what Ms. Shym taught me. I remember watching “The Letter People” during all day kindergarten. She. Was. Amazing. Rest In Peace Ms. Shym. You were unforgettable.
Mrs. Shym,
You made a great impression on so many of us at Our Lady of Lourdes and it’s been so fun to tell my own kids about my very special kindergarten teacher. May you Rest In Peace and May your family find comfort in how many lives you touched.
Michaela Winter
I saw her a few years ago. I didn’t have her for kindergarten, but did go to Lourdes. She knew my name and my sisters name instantly when I said hello. She was so wonderful and OLL legend!
We will miss you, you’re the best ❤
THE most comforting, kind, gentle, loving teacher I’ve ever had. On my first day of school I cried so hard because I missed my mom. So Mrs Shym brought me up to her desk and hugged me and held me until I calmed down. I still remember so much about her 40 years later. I know that God will welcome her with open arms. She was truly an angel on earth.
The most comforting, kind, gentle, loving teacher I’ve ever had. On my first day of school I cried so hard because I missed my mom. So Mrs Shym brought me up to her desk and hugged me and held me until I calmed down. I know that God will welcome her with open arms. She was truly an angel on earth.
So sad to hear of her passing. She had such an impact on so many young minds and started the foundation of who many people are today. RIP Mrs. Shym. OLL class of 2003
Ms Shym, you are greatly missed. I am so grateful to be able to say my kindergarten teacher was at my wedding and held my daughter.
I will forever love kindergarten because of you.
Rest In Peace!
Scott, I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
so saddened to here of Mrs Shym’s passing. We felt very fortunate to have her for 2 generations of rasmussens. God bless her and her family.
Scott, Shelley and Su & all of the Shymkewicz Family,
I was so sorry to hear about passing of your mother.
SU – my good friend from Ryan High School – hope you
remember me! I remember sitting in Mr.Rieschl’s room. during our
mods and listening about your Mom’s students.She loved teaching
you could tell. I pray God will give you strength to get you though
these difficult days ahead! You will always have the memories of
her in your hearts. May she rest in peace.
Kate Dargy Domayer
Dear Su and family,
I am so very sorry on the loss of your Mom and Grandma.
I will keep you and all of the family in my prayers. May she
rest in peace.
Katie Dargy Domayer
My condolences to the Shymkewicz family. I know that your mother will be dearly missed! She was like a bright ray of sunshine every time we saw her. Bringing your first child to school is a difficult thing for a parent. As I walked along with my son Matt my anxiety worsened!. Then we met his teacher, a tall woman, with wispy white hair, and a warm welcoming smile on her face. My fears all disappeared at that very moment!! She was so kind to the children and they loved her so much!! Matt is now 41 and Sarah 37. I know that neither of them will ever forget how wonderful your mother was to them! She will always hold a special place in our hearts. May God welcome her into paradise and His loving
arms. As He greeted her I’m sure His first words were, “well done my good and faithful servant”.
My Dear Friend, God Blessed with the gift of friendship that took us from 1974 to the present day…2020.you taught my Robby, David, Jeannie,, taught my grand kids, Eric and Darian Holmes… my nieces Mindy , Lisa and Mike…….. you helped celebrate many birthdays, grad parties, mourned with us, laughed, and cried…now we mourn for you,,, you will always, be with us, in love and spirit my friend,,, until we meet again. enjoy your heavenly reward….thank you for letting me know you know I was with you, your smile, and cluching my hand.., my heart is happy….
ME
Mary Ann often visited us at the Millard Branch Library. She would always thank us for being there. She will truly be missed.
Mary Ann Shym was truly a rare friend. I met her in January, 1978 when I began teaching math at OLL. We became dear friends. She taught my sons Scott and Rob. She was a good listener who never told you what you should do. We were therapists for each other. When my kids got older I would have time to go to lunch together, go for rides to visit my mom, and talk about our families. She was thrilled when something good happened to my kids, and later was always interested in my grandkids. If she got to have lunch with them she thanked me for the opportunity to see them. She was also there for me in sad times. A shoulder to lean on. She enjoyed her retirement years, and hoped the same for me. We always signed our correspondences “Love and Prayers” and her envelopes said”In God We Trust”. I trust that you are in His hands today. Your love, support and prayers will be dearly missed. Rest in peace my dear friend.
To Mary Ann’s family we send our sympathy and prayers. Our family, like so many others at Our Lady of Lourdes, owe so much to a wonderful lady and a memorable teacher. May she rest in peace!
To Mary Ann’s family we send our sympathy and prayers. Our family, like many others at Our Lady of Lourde, will remember this wonderful lady and memorable teacher. She left her mark on many. May she rest in peace!
I never met you her children but Mary Ann and I were friends in Falls City high school. she was a dear friend. many times I was at her home and loved her mother Nettie Pauline and dad Ralph. Rarely did you ever see Ralph but he was wearing his overalls. Such a friendly man. Nettie was a dear lady which made Mary Ann and Stephen the fun loving kids that they were. To all of you may your precious memories help you in the days ahead. Thoughts and prayers to you. Dee Ann Vonderschmidt Fisher now in Brownsville TX
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