Mary K. O'Mara Shery

Mary Kathleen "Katie" Shery was the oldest daughter of Roger W. O'Mara and Mary G. O'Mara.

A native of Culver City, she graduated from Notre Dame High and Cal State Northridge with a teaching degree. She taught for the Los Angeles Unified School District for 40 years, the last 38 at Shenandoah Street Elementary School. She loved teaching, especially 3rd grade. She was loved and respected by everyone, students, staff, and parents, some of whom were in her class when they were students. But most of all she loved her family, especially the grandkids. She enjoyed spending her summers at their family cabin on Lake Crescent in the Olympic National Park. She died peacefully at Ronald Reagan Medical Center surrounded by her loved ones.

Although her first marriage to John Heidelman ended in divorce they were blessed with a daughter, Laura. She then met the love of her life, Jay J. Shery, and welcomed his two daughters, Erica and Samantha, into the family. They remained happily married for the past 27 years.

She was a tireless volunteer for charitable causes, especially with the Exchange Club of Culver City, for youth programs and child abuse prevention.

Katie is survived by her husband Jay, sister Patricia, daughters Laura (Jeff) Haynie, Erica (Tim) Friedman, and Samantha Shery, and grandchildren Ella, Brendan, Joshua, and Hunter.

Memorial services will be held at Holy Cross Mortuary, Culver City, with a viewing on Thursday, March 2, at 5 p.m. followed by a funeral service on Friday, March 3 at 12:30 p.m.