Obituary: Mary Edwards Shaner

Mary Edwards Shaner, 78
Mary Edwards Shaner, of Hull, died peacefully on Jan. 27 at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. She was 78.
Born in Asheville, N.C., on July 24, 1942, she was a daughter of the late Charles William Edwards Sr. and Linnell (Farmer) Edwards. 
Mary graduated from Clyde A. Erwin High School in 1960. She did her undergraduate work at Duke University on full scholarship. She attended Oxford University in England as a Fulbright Scholar and earned her Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She joined the English faculty at the University of Massachusetts Boston in 1970 and retired in 2005 as a full professor. She was a Chaucer specialist and a contributor to The Riverside Chaucer. She also created classes in children’s literature.
Mary was the beloved wife of Richard C. Shaner, with whom she shared nearly 51 years. She was the loving sister of Sharon Palmer, of Florida; the late Charles W. Edwards Jr. and his surviving wife, Rainey, of Georgia; and Linda Stine and her husband, Richard, of North Carolina. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and former students.
Following cremation, Mary’s graveside service will be held at a later date at her family’s plot at Big Crabtree Baptist Church in Spruce Pine, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the University of Massachusetts Boston, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, or any animal rescue organization of your choice.
Although we cannot gather together with Mary’s family at this time, friends can still offer their support by visiting www.Keohane.com and sharing a memory or message. Those who cannot access the website can call 1-800-Keohane to have their messages added.