The world’s biggest Elizabeth Taylor fan, Mary K. Schmid, passed away peacefully at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Monroe on Sunday, May 21. She was born on July 9, 1936 in Freeport, Illinois to Delbert and Gertrude (Tyler) Stabenow. Her brother Richard completed the family in 1938.
Mary graduated valedictorian of her class at Orangeville High School in 1954. She was united in marriage to Edwin Schmid on July 31, 1955. They operated the Wuetrich Cheese Factory for 14 years. During this time, Mary and Ed welcomed 4, yes FOUR, girls to their family.
Mary was the first female employee at the Monroe Post Office and the first union rep for the clerks who worked there. She was a familiar face to many who came in for stamps and to mail packages. She retired in 1998 after 28years of service. Retirement allowed her more time to do what she loved—travel with friends and family, play Skipbo and other card games, cross-stich and embroider pillowcases, towels and quilts, collect all things giraffe, be an active volunteer for the Orangeville United Methodist Church, Monroe Women’s Club and Monroe Arts Center. She was a devoted fan of UW women’s basketball along with a close group of friends. She was well known for her yearly Liz Taylor birthday party extravaganzas. She played the organ at her church for 50+ years, retiring on her 70th birthday. She made the best black raspberry pies, frosted cutout cookies and baked macaroni and cheese. She had a sharp sense of humor and delighted in being G’ma Mary to her 6 granddaughters and 10 great grandchildren.
It was stunning to her family when we got the call that she had passed—we believed she might live forever! She was preceded in death by her husband Ed, her parents Gert and Buck, in-laws August and Helen Schmid, brother Richard and brother-in-law David Thibodeau. She is survived by her daughters—Kathy (Paul) Gregersen, Connie (Mark) Pelton, Pamela Schmid and Sharon Schmid (Jeff Luthanen)…Granddaughters, Kate Stuart, Anne Steinmann, Emma Pelton, Elizabeth Pelton, Ellen Stumpf and Madeline Luthanen….and her great grandchildren Breleigh, Brady, Cale, Emmy, Lane, Audrey, Delilah, Evelyn, Quinn and Elsie….and one special grand dog, Walter Guernsey Tyler. She is further survived by extended family that includes ValRey Stabenow, Helen Thibodeau, Bill and Joan Schmid, nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.
A special thank you to the staff at Pleasant View Nursing Home for their extraordinary care the last 4 ½ years. Also, thanks to so many of her family and friends who visited, sent cards, kept her in chocolate, asked about her and prayed for her. Your kindness will always be remembered.
Services will be held on Wednesday, May 31 at the Orangeville United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon with the funeral at noon, followed by a luncheon. Private burial services will be later.
Memorials may be designated to Friends of Pleasant View Nursing Home, The Mighty Richland Players Theater or The Monroe Women’s Club Christmas Stocking Fund.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com
