Mary Lou Shemas

Mary Lou Shemas, 86, of Canton, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on August 25, 2025.

Mary Lou, or "Nini" as she was affectionately known to her family, was born to Marjorie (Haas) Ott and John Ott in their home near Stone Creek, Ohio, on June 26, 1939. A 1957 graduate of Timken High School, she briefly worked for Ohio Power and Blue Cross/Blue Shield before becoming a full-time wife and homemaker. She married the love of her life, James V. Shemas, on May 16, 1959. Together, they shared 54 beautiful years filled with family, fun, polka dancing, evenings at the Eagles, wine, and good meals with good friends and family.

Mary Lou was a woman of many passions and a dedicated supporter of her loved ones. Although she and Jim had no children of their own, they were a central and beloved part of their family and friends' lives, serving as everyone's favorite aunt and uncle, whether by blood or by bond. Mary Lou took a genuine interest in everyone and everything, a trait that led her to attend the athletic events, concerts, and dance recitals of her family and friends' children. Always ready to play, she often joined her nieces and nephews in their games, playing school, or letting the girls style her hair. All were richer for knowing her, and that was about more than her generous spirit. She might see you and find a good reason to slip you a $20 bill—and in a flash, she would find an excuse to give one to everyone else, too! She embraced new pursuits with her typical bubbly joy, doing yoga long before it was popular, roller skating like a pro, taking tap dancing and piano lessons as an adult, and polka dancing with Jim whenever they had the chance. She loved a good glass of red wine, a lunch out with her sister or cherished friends, shopping, and walking in the park.

A lifelong fan of Cleveland baseball, Mary Lou's dedication to the Guardians was legendary. She never missed a game on TV, and her passion for the team was a constant source of conversation, hope, and more often, disappointment. However, she remained optimistic about the current season, listening to games throughout even the most challenging days of her final hospitalization.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband in 2013; her mother in 2014; and her father in 1987.

Mary Lou is survived by her best friend and sister Kathy Smith and her husband (and chauffeur) Larry. She is also survived by niece Beth (Todd) Polen and nephew Brett Smith; great-nieces Tessa (fiancé Alex Benson) and Maya Polen and Erin and Ellen Smith; and great-nephew Eric Smith.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Philip Linden, Lucie Engelskirger, CNP, and the many wonderful nurses at both Aultman and University Hospitals for the excellent and compassionate care they provided to Mary Lou and her family during her last months of life.

Private services will be held at Sunset Hills Mausoleum, where Mary Lou will be entombed next to her husband and mother. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Mary Lou's memory by treating a friend to lunch, attending a musical, or donating to St. Jude’s–or simply slip someone a $20 bill.