Mary J. Schaff
June 24, 2008
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Service Details
Mary Janet (Williams) Schaff, 81, of Des Moines passed into eternal rest Tuesday at Angel of Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2008 at Our Lady of Peace Chapel at Bishop Drumm with burial at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St. with a 7 p.m. Rosary Service.
Born June 7, 1927, Mary was always a light to those around her. An active student at Valley West High, Mary played on the basketball team, was a drummer in the school band and served as Valedictorian for the class of 1945. Mary wed the love of her life, Donn, at the age of 18. She bore four children and delighted in the family and friends around her. Retiring after 20 years as an Administrative Secretary for Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Mary also served as a long-time volunteer at Mercy Hospital. She devoted much of her time to the care of others; having met Mary, no one left a stranger.
Active in her church and the Rosary Society of St. Augustin, Mary lived her faith in quiet service to God and those around her. She enjoyed gardening, flowers and birds, playing cards and bowling. Even more, Mary loved the people around her. She was never happier than when she was cooking for a house full of family and friends. Her compassion, love and acceptance of others will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Mary Williams; her husband, Donn Schaff; her son, James Richard; and her siblings, Rich Williams and Ruth Sherwood. She is survived by three daughters, Janet (Gordon) Woolsey, Theresa (James) Sweat and Karen (Ray) Petrey; five grandchildren: six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews she loved dearly.
In Mary the world was given a light that shined so brightly for so many. That light has passed on, but will forever be reflected in the hearts and minds of those who here remain.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bishop Drumm, Mercy Hospice or Iowa Methodist Medical Center.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Cathy Gaston McCormick
06/27/2008
Dear Jan, Theresa, and Karen,
I have so many wonderful memories of your Mother - she is such an integral part of our family. We have referred to her always as Mary Schaff - like that was her first name because we have Mary Rose, of course. She was my godmother, and come to think of it,to most of my brothers and sisters, Susie, Dick, Mary Rose, Bob, Joe and Julie.
Jim and I send our love and will be with you all in spirit today.
Respectfully,
Cathy Gaston McCormick
Cathy Flaherty
06/25/2008
Mary will surely be missed. And I appreciate the time your mom spent with my mom at Prairie Meadows. It meant a lot to her. I'm glad she went in pease. Am thinking of all of you. Love Cathy
Dixie Reed
06/26/2008
I will always remember the fun our parents had together on Franklin St. playing badmitton and enjoying the warm summer evenings together.
Mary was a great lady, always so kind to my mother. Mom really enjoyed seeing Mary these last several years. The ladies "get togethers" at Prairie Meadows was really enjoyed by my mom.
May you find peace in knowing that your mother was loved by many and gave strength and hope to many. My thoughts and prayers go to all of you at this time of sorrow.
Dixie Reed