Mary Sue Shemeld, beloved mother

CUBA — Mary Sue “Sue” Shemeld, 86, a longtime resident of Cuba Lake, Cuba, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday (June 6, 2025) at Cuba Memorial Hospital, Cuba.

Sue was born July 26, 1938, to Ernest and Margaret Hull Rathbun in Wellsville, who predeceased her. Sue married David E. Shemeld in 1963 at the Methodist Church in Olean. In late 2023, Sue was widowed after 60 years of marriage.

Sue spent her formative years in Chrystal, Pa. She graduated from Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse, Pa., and later graduated from the Rochester Business Institute.

After graduation she worked as a secretary for Clark Bros Co. in Olean, where she met her future husband. She continued to work there during the company’s transition to Dresser Clark.

Sue left Dresser in the early 60s to raise her growing family. Soon after her marriage, the family moved to Hamburg, where they resided until 1968. At that time, the family moved to Tokyo, Japan, and lived there until 1971. In 1971, they returned to Allegany. During the 80s, Sue returned to work as a legal secretary for Michael Nevins, Esq.

At the end of the 80s, Sue and Dave moved to Connersville, Ind., where they resided until 1991 when they moved to Huddersfield, England. Returning to Indiana in 1994, they briefly resided in Richmond.

In 1999 they came home to the Western New York area, to the Cuba Lake cottage that they purchased in the early 90s. In 2000, Sue and Dave tore down the existing cottage and built Sue’s dream house on Cuba lake.

Sue maintained membership in Eureka Chapter 52 Order of the Eastern Star in Shinglehouse. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, sewing and living on Cuba lake.

She is survived by her children, Gregory Shemeld of Olean; daughters, Pamela Shemeld of Chesterfield, Va. and Brenda Kasztelan of Cuba; brother, Howard Rathbun; niece, Paula (Gerald) Weber; and nephew, Howard “Duffy” (Ann Marie) Rathbun, all of Shinglehouse; and numerous grandnieces and nephews.

There will be a private calling for family at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home in Shinglehouse, followed immediately after by a celebration of life. The Rev. Russell J. Horning of Shinglehouse will officiate. Burial will be in Chrystal Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Roswell Park Cancer Center, 665 Elm St., Buffalo, NY 14203; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Sue’s family entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Sue, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.