Submitted by: Dan Rich

Nina Vera Shulmier

Sept. 11, 1902 - Dec. 23, 2001

South Bend Tribune 12/30/2001

Comforted by family and friends, Nina Vera Shulmier, 99, of South Bend, passed from this life December 23, 2001, in her Florida home in Hudson. Born the 7th child of 9 of Uriah and Ella Moore in Rushville, Illinois, Nina grew up in a family that valued religion, music, and the importance of lifetime learning. This early training remained for her lifetime and she never lost interest in new ideas. She kept abreast of local and world events, reveling in the elections of 2000! Having a keen interest in music, she began playing piano at an early age. In the 8th grade, after taking a statewide exam, she was awarded a four year scholarship to the college of her choice. Later, she passed the requited tests and began teaching school at the age of 18 in a one-room schoolhouse grades 1 through 12. Nina was very active in the youth group at the Methodist Church where she organized many events in the community. At the age of 24 she moved to South Bend and began work at the local telephone company.

Her sister, Mary (Mrs. Russel C. Kuehl) soon followed and both became very active in Epworth league of the First United Methodist Church. It was there that she met and married Clyde W. Shulmier. They shared 62 years together before Clyde preceded her in death in 1990. Nina was active in her children's school and neighborhood activities, organizing games and parties, and serving as president of the John Adams High School PTA for which she served as delegate to State PTA conventions. In 1944 she joined the Progress club of South Bend. She served as chairman of the Literature-Dramatic Art Dept., Music Dept., and the Philanthropic Dept. She was the organizer and first editor of the Alpha newsletter, In 1970, she was elected President of the Club. Nina remained active and was always a participator. She accompanied the chorus, played piano and organ, and accompanied many local musicians over the years.

During this period of time she produced plays for local student members of the Junior Progress Club. For over 20 years she was the leading sales representative of Scholastic Magazines visiting schools in Northern Indiana. She took great delight in bringing this magazine to schoolchildren and seeing their interests grow. Throughout the years she and Clyde were active in the Mitzpah class of the First United Methodist Church, Coterie Club, B.P.O.E. Auxiliary, various Bridge Clubs, and the South Bend Garden Club. Nina was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Camera Club, and the Sewing Club. In the 1980s she was selected Legacy Lady of the Year for the Indiana Chapter of General Federation of Women's Clubs. We will all miss her energy, vitality, and lovely smile.

Preceding her in death were her five sisters and three bothers, the most recent Mary Kuehl and Harriet Moor Knitter, both of South Bend.

Surviving are a son, Thomas W. (Pat) of Hudson, Fla.; two daughters, Janet (Mrs. Jack) Troeger of Granger, IN, and Mary Ellen Shulmier of Hudson and South Bend; eight grandchildren, Scott (Holly), Timothy (Susan), and Stephen (Patty) Troeger, Cynthia Paczkowski (Terry), Sheryl Duffey (Jon), Pamela Shulmier, Debra TenEyck (Cuyler), and Daniel Shulmier; 14 great-grandchildren, Amy, Victoria, Neil, Tara, James, Sam, Daniel, Stephanie, Ross Troeger, Kara and T.J. Paczkowski, Caitlin TenEyck, and Adam and Hannah Heilman.

Memorial contributions in the memory of Mrs. Shulmier may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, the Progress Club, P.O. Box 44, South Bend or the donor's choice. Cremation has taken place and she will be interred in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN. A Memorial service will be held in May in South Bend.

South Bend Tribune 5/10/2002