Mary E. Schwendeman, age 90, of Middlefield, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, September 26th, 2020 at the Lantern of Chagrin Valley Assisted Living. She was born in Cleveland, OH on August 13th, 1930 to the late Carroll and Elizabeth (Stewart) Wright.
She was the eldest of 4 daughters & was raised in Burton, OH. During her teen years, Mary nannied for various families in Shaker Heights. After graduating from Berkshire High School, she worked as a secretary in Cleveland.
On December 31st, 1949, she married her best friend and the love of her life, Francis Schwendeman. Mary worked hard, devoting her life to their 5 children. Her many attributes included sewing, canning, singing, and many more.
Mary and Francis loved to attend Saturday night dances and it wasn't uncommon for her to polka around the kitchen with her kids.
She loved to be involved in the PTA, being a 4-H leader, teaching many to sew, and planning the annual family camping trips.
Mary was also a Sacristan and served on the Ladies’ Guild at St. Lucy's in Middlefield. She worked the polls and became a realtor later in life.
Mary will be deeply missed by: her loving husband of 70 ½ years, Francis; children, Linda (Phillip) Smallwood, Helen Neill, Elaine Johnston, Diane King, John (Mary Priebe) Schwendeman; grandchildren, Christina (Curt) Canfield, Jennifer Hanna, Erin (Brent) Held, Rick (Renata D.) Neill, Megan Green, Mike (Tara) Johnston, Rachel King, Amanda (Rob) Bohman; great-grandchildren, Matthew Canfield, Meredith Canfield, Allyson Held, Alivia Held, Sydney Held, Mariah Easterday, James Bohman, Isla Bohman; sisters, Nadine Buckholtz, Lora Lucht; and many friends.
She is preceded in death by: her parents; sister, Irene Lorenzen; and son-in-law, Bill Neill.
A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL WILL BE HELD AT 10:30 AM, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1ST, 2020 AT ST. LUCY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 16280 KINSMAN RD., MIDDLEFIELD, OH 44062. Family and friends will be received from 4:00 PM to 7 PM, Wednesday, September 30th, at Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Rd., Middlefield, OH. Mary’s final resting place will be in Middlefield Cemetery.
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