Submited by: Dan Rich

Mary Johanna Schroeder

June 27, 1915 - Nov. 17, 2002

South Bend Tribune 11/20/2002

Mary Johanna Schroeder, 87, formerly of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away after a lengthy illness at 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17, in the Healthwin Specialized Care Center, South Bend, Ind. Mary was born on June 27, 1915, in Mishawaka, to the late Edward Jacob and Edith (Stone) Schroeder. She was also preceded in death by a nephew, Paul Schumacher. Mary is survived by her sister, Helen Schumacher of Mishawaka; a niece, Margaret (Jim) Sherwood of Plymouth, Ind.; three nephews, James (Kathy) Schumacher of Mishawaka, Timothy Schumacher of Lambertville, Mich., and Philip (Kandy) Schumacher of Cassopolis, Mich.; her late nephew Paul's wife, Ginny Schumacher of Mishawaka; and by nine great-nieces and nephews.

Since 1994 when mouth cancer was discovered, Mary bravely fought a battle for life even after the effects of surgery left her with limited hearing and sight. She was a devoted sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Having never married, she enjoyed family gatherings and watching her sister Helen's family of five grow up. She was always there to help when asked. As a young woman, Mary gave up her lunch hours to feed the twins, Tim and Jim, as they were preemies who needed a lot of attention and a special diet. Mary worked for Volney Felt Mills, Myers Hardware and the Wheelabrator Corporation, retiring in 1972. A lifelong member of St. Monica Parish, Mary was instrumental in bringing the Legion of Mary Society to the parish in 1947. She faithfully visited family and friends in nursing homes and provided transportation for church activities. During the years, she held many offices in the Legion of Mary and the Rosary Society of the church. Mary also enjoyed the fellowship and friends that the Juliana Club of the Wheelabrator Corporation provided.

She enjoyed many outdoor activities and loved to mushroom hunt in the spring. Another love was to go fishing, especially in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at Thousand Island Lake. Her father instilled this love of the outdoors in both she and Helen. Traveling was another favorite activity. Playing cards and doing needlework were also activities that she enjoyed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, in the Thallemer-Goethals Funeral Home, Mishawaka, where a Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Monica Church at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, with Fr. James Stoyle officiating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Mishawaka. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Monica Church Building Fund.