Barbara Jean (Watson) Shearer

Barbara Jean Watson Shearer, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on December 3, 1936, in Wilmington, she was the beloved daughter of George M. and Beatrice M. Watson.

Barbara grew up in the Richardson Park area and spent her childhood enjoying summers at White Crystal Beach on the Chesapeake Bay and trips to her grandparents’ cottage in Hallandale, Florida—a love for the water that stayed with her throughout her life. Later, she found joy in spending many memorable summers in Lewes, Delaware, where her affection for the beach only deepened.

A graduate of Conrad High School, Barbara was active in student life—she played field hockey and led the varsity cheerleading squad. Her family loved to recall the time she portrayed the “Million Dollar Mermaid” on a high school float, a nickname they lovingly used for years to come.

Barbara began her professional life at the DuPont Company before marrying her high school sweetheart, Robert “Bob” Shearer. Together, they raised three children: Robert Charles Shearer Jr., Lauren Shearer Petrusky, and Lynne Shearer Sobieski.

Barbara is survived by her children and her cherished granddaughters, Ashley Sobieski Dekker (Brian), Brittany Sobieski Theodore (Darren), Kelsey Petrusky, and Kara Petrusky; as well as her adored great-grandchildren, Matthew, Mason and Marek Jenkins, Cayli Gibbons, Blake and Zoey Theodore; and her beloved cats. 

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Lorelton Assisted Living for their care of our mother for the past three years. 

In keeping with Barbara’s wishes, services will be private. 

To honor her memory, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Society, c/o the Cat Foster Care Department, 165 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720.

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