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Dear Rick and Mary's extended family - I have just today learned that my beloved English professor has passed away, I had no idea all this time and I'm deeply saddened to learn this so late in the game. I always hoped I would bump into Mary whilst out shopping around Hingham or walking Nantasket beach but I never had the pleasure of seeing her again after I graduated UMass in 2004. I was one of the last group of her students before her retirement. She was a phenomenal professor and I must have taken about 5 of her courses during my English major and so she became a staple in my learning environment and I thoroughly enjoyed her wit, charm, humor, stories, and her guidance in helping me get through the tough days at college. Mary once told one of my classes of her time at Oxford when she met J. R. R Tolkien, and he had given her a letter which she said she lost or misplaced along the years and it was one of her biggest regrets that she did not keep it somewhere safe! She said "Imagine having a letter from Tolkien and losing it" - we were all speechless! Her experiences alone were enough to fill a classroom with laughter and enjoyment. I miss my days at Umass and certainly miss my time studying under Mary. May her soul rest peacefully and may I continue my education and grow as I know she wanted all her students to do gracefully. God Bless.

I met Mary on my first day at Duke University, when we were assigned as roommates. We became instant friends, and spent four happy years rooming together and sharing information and ideas as English majors. I think I profited from her ideas more than she did from mine! Mary was intelligent, clever, funny, and generous and I know my college years wouldn't have been nearly so much fun without her companionship. My condolences to you Rick. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you, but how wonderful that you spent 51 happy years together!

My deepest sympathies to you all.

On behalf of both our families and in memory of our 51 good and happy years together, I thank everyone who prayed for Mary's recovery during her hospitalization and everyone who now prays for the repose of her soul. Rick Shaner

Mary was my dear friend and my cherished mentor. Her knowledge was vast and combined with her warm and loving nature to inspire many students to study with her over the years. Mary will always have my love and profound gratitude. Rick, you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

Among the best memories of my undergraduate education at UMass Boston (class of 74) were the classes I took with Mary including Chaucer. I still have the textbook we used in that class. She was an excellent teacher with high standards, a kind manner and a dry wit. I was so fortunate to have been her student.

I am very sorry to hear of Professor Shaner's passing. I went back to school when I was 43 years old, and as an English major took many of Mary's classes. As an "older" student at UMASS she always made me feel so welcome. I loved all my classes, and learned so much from her. My condolences to the Shaner family.

I was extremely sad to learn about Mary. It both seems like a long time ago, but just yesterday when my former husband and I shared so many wonderful times with her and her husband. Mary was a brilliant scholar, gifted teacher, engaging person, and wonderful friend. I have often thought of her, and will remember her very fondly.

Dear Rick, Mary has been a wonderful presence in the Department that was her and my shared home for so many years. Something about the combination of gentleness and yet impish humor always defined her presence for me. I think of you, too, as I knew you earl one, as part of that. I'll always think of her and both of you with great affection.

Kelly and I only recently learned of the passing of your beloved wife Mary. We extend to you our heartfelt sympathy and prayers during this extremely difficult time.

Soon after I joined the UMass faculty in 1972 Mary and I teamed up to teach a combined double course in Freshman English and Liberal Arts Mathematics. We and our students had a lot of fun. Learned a lot, too. Thanks, Mary.

Dear Rick, So sorry to learn of your wife Mary's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy at this time and know that our thoughts are with you. Mary was so very accomplished and influenced and inspired so many to excel. We send our condolences. Mary was so supportive of your interest in history and your seasonal work at the Adams National Historical Park as you shared "Adams stories" with her. With Sympathy, Marianne Peak, Superintendent and Adams NHP staff

I met Mary once at Kalamazoo, and was struck by her kindness and obvious joy in being alive. Her life was another of God's gifts to the world, and I had the real impression that she lived it joyfully and gracefully. Christ's peace to her soul, and to all who mourn for her.

I had the pleasure of working with Mary at UMB for 21 years. Although I have not seen her for 20 years, I will always remember her warm personality and gentle humor. It was an honor to know Mary, to work with and learn from her. May she rest in peace.

Janet and I just learned today that Mary has died. We are very sorry. I took two classes with her and she really unlocked my brain. She was no-nonsense about deadlines but inspired us to gladly meet them as her classes were so interesting and fun—she made me laugh at my own inconsistencies. She taught us to see beauty, and love, too. I can still see her in my mind’s eye the day she introduced us to The Relic by John Donne, standing in a very ordinary Building One (now Wheatley) classroom among the plastic and metal chair-desks, the space temporarily transformed by her words. The notice quite rightly lists her former students among her survivors—we loved her. Our condolences to you, Rick (51 years!), and to all her family and former students.

Dear Rick—I think you and I met only once or twice but we were probably in each other’s company a few more times than that. I offer my condolences on your losing Mary. She was a warmly welcoming spirit when I joined the English Department at UMB in 1984 and continued to be during our years together. She was a fine colleague and a generous friend. And she left her mark on a couple of generations of grateful students.

So sorry Rick for the loss of your beloved wife Mary. We will always keep you in prayer, for God to keep giving you strength, guidance and peace. Love your Cousin Brenda Clark Amos

You are in my prayers. I got to know Mary through Rick's wonderful stories on the bench at Adams Site as fellow Park Rangers. Sending love to Rick and the Family. I hope to share my condolences in person soon.

I think of my mom Mary Anne Ferguson, (d2015) who was Mary’s friend for so many years. As I read the obituary, I realize how much in common they had, no wonder they were often like minded. Ok, both Marys, and Chaucer Professors at UMass Boston. My mom grew up in Asheville where Mary was born. They were born 1 day and 24 years apart so were not only both Leos but also Chinese Year of the Horse. Both did undergrad on full bore scholarship at Duke.

We are so very sorry Rick. Mary was such a sweet lady and we enjoyed having her as a neighbor. Your updates on her medical journey was unlike anything I’ve ever read. Your writing was superb and your love for her shined through each word. May God help you through this difficult time.