Sheila Geary: 34 Years of Faith, Laughter, and Service

For 34 years, Sheila Geary has been a cherished presence in Marian's hallways and classrooms, teaching theology, making students laugh, and encouraging young women to see the world through a wider lens. Along the way, Geary has inspired generations of young women to think deeply, serve generously, and remain curious about the world around them.  

A native of Grand Rapids and graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Geary arrived at Marian in 1992 after teaching in Chicago and earning a master's degree in theology. As she considered several teaching opportunities, Geary found herself reflecting on a simple question: If she had a daughter of her own, where would she want her to attend school? Her answer was Marian. Drawn to the school's strong academics, Catholic identity, and commitment to educating young women, she accepted the position and never looked back.

"I’ve felt at home here," Geary says. "I've loved it and believe in all-girls education."

Over the years, Geary taught a variety of theology courses, but Catholic Social Teaching became her passion. Through classroom discussions, current events, and conversations about faith and justice, she challenged students to consider their responsibility to others.

One of the most impactful parts of Geary’s Marian career has been her involvement with International Samaritan. Since helping lead Marian's first service immersion trip in 2014, Geary has accompanied students on annual service immersion trips, first to Guatemala and more recently to Honduras, where they encounter families facing extreme poverty.

Year after year, she has watched students return home with a broader understanding of the world and a deeper appreciation for the dignity of every person.

"I don't know anyone who has gone to Central America and hasn't been touched by seeing how other people live," Geary says. "The borders we have were drawn by humans, not by God. At the heart, we're all the same."

More than a teacher

Ask Marian alumnae about Sheila Geary and the stories come quickly. They remember her humor, her kindness, and discussions about faith and justice. They also remember how she made them feel.

"For her students, it was almost a badge of honor, a Marian rite of passage, to enter freshman year knowing her only as 'Ms. Geary' and then, over four years, earning the privilege of affectionately calling her 'She-She,’” says Marian Principal Stacey Cushman. "I would venture to say that not a single graduate from the past 30-plus years would have any trouble sharing a favorite 'Ms. Geary' memory."

While Geary spent most of her career as a theology teacher, this year she also stepped into the role of campus minister, a fitting culmination of a career devoted to helping students grow not only academically, but spiritually as well.

"Sheila is deeply faith-filled and connected to the IHM mission and the Marian community in ways that go far beyond the simple label of faculty member," Cushman says. "Her presence has always been rooted in mission, purpose, and a profound understanding of what Marian is called to be."

Geary’s impact has continued long after students leave Marian. Over the years, she has attended former students' weddings, celebrated their accomplishments, and stayed connected through life's many milestones. She takes particular joy in teaching the daughters of former students and watching a new generation of Marian women carry forward the values she worked to instill.

"Sheila Geary is a legacy at Marian High School whose influence has touched the lives of many students, parents, faculty, and staff," says Claudine Denha, Marian’s Director of Engagement and Catholic Identity. "An outstanding educator, mentor, and friend, her presence at Marian will be greatly missed. Sheila has not only shaped communities; she has made a lasting impact in our hearts."

As she begins retirement, Geary looks forward to spending more time with family and friends, traveling, volunteering, and remaining involved with International Samaritan. While her daily presence in Marian's classrooms and hallways will be missed, her legacy lives on in the confident, compassionate, and service-minded Marian women she helped form over three decades.