Mary Margaret Spear, 99, of Brookston, passed away at 10:15 p.m. Monday, January 29, 2018 at Cumberland Pointe Health Campus, West Lafayette.

She was born June 5, 1918 in Battle Ground, Indiana to the late Joseph and Lora (Swatts) Sheehan and was a 1936 graduate of Westville High School.

Her marriage was to Thomas E. Spear on December 12, 1940 in Tippecanoe County. He preceded her in death in May 21, 1968. Mary met Tom through caregiving for his first wife Lenore and always considered her three boys like her own.

Mrs. Spear was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and regularly attended the Brookston Church of Christ.

She worked in the regional office of State Farm Insurance from 1969 until retiring in 1981. Prior to that she worked as the office nurse for Dr. Gish, was a bookkeeper for her husband and at a canning factory.

Mary had an undeniable spunk to her and loved spending time with her family. She was a BIG Indiana Pacers fan, was known for her huge gardens and made the best homemade chili.

Surviving is a step-son, Tom Spear (wife: Sandy) of West Lafayette; a son, John “Jack” Spear (wife: Mary Lou) of Frankfort; a daughter, Wendy Fogleman (husband: Mike) of West Lafayette and two brothers, Louis Sheehan of Phoenix, AZ and Richard Sheehan (wife: Juanita) of Brookston. Mary cherished her 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death with her parents and husband are two step-sons, Joe and Harold Spear and her 5 siblings.

A funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. with visitation to follow until 8 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2018 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home (101 West 4th St. Brookston, IN); Rev. Dr. Lelan D. McReynolds to officiate.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Almost Home Humane Society of Lafayette or the Brookston Church of Christ.

Special thanks to the caring and compassionate staff of Cumberland Pointe and St. Elizabeth Hospice.

Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.