Mary Jeanne Schad
February 15, 1940 – August 4, 2023
IN THE CARE OF Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service
Mary Jeanne Schad, known to her loved ones as Mary, peacefully passed away on August 4, 2023, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, at the age of 83. She was born on February 15, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late John Raymond and Corinne Louisa (nee Linnemann) Lewis.
Mary was a beloved daughter, wife, sister, mother, and grandmother. She had a sparkling sense of humor and a sharp wit. She was always up for fun and was usually the instigator.
Mary and Russ were married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 28, 1963 and were inseparable for nearly 60 years. They raised four children and several foreign exchange students throughout the years.
Mary lived life to the fullest and those that knew her admired her energy and hard work. She was a dedicated professor of nursing and a nurse practitioner whose compassion touched the lives of many. Mary's teaching career began at Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where she taught for over 20 years. Her career led her to become an Emeritus Professor of Nursing at Western New Mexico University. She also worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in Silver City, New Mexico and started a community school-based clinic in nearby Bayard, NM through which she served the community until the age of 70.
Outside of her professional life, Mary had a wide range of interests and hobbies. She found solace in gardening, where she nurtured beautiful plants and flowers. Mary's love for literature led her to spend countless hours engrossed in books. She also enjoyed playing cards, particularly bridge, sheepshead, and euchre. If you ever had the pleasure of playing cards against Mary and Russ, you would have found their 'table talk' a force to be reckoned with. Mary was particularly proud of establishing the first ever King George Community Center Thursday afternoon card group when she moved to the community. She also enjoyed solving crossword puzzles. Most important to Mary was family time, and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. Additionally, Mary found joy in raising AKC registered Pugs and German Shepherds, and her furry companions, especially her Tuttie, brought her immense happiness.
Mary will forever be remembered for her kind and compassionate nature. She was a pillar of strength and love to her family. Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Russell, and their children, Tiffany Ann, Andrea Marie, Emily Corinne and husband Antonio Christopher Boiardi, Jason Charles and wife Daisy Margarita (Vargas) and their son Hayden Charles. She was a proud grandmother to Hayden. Mary is survived by her siblings, Judy (Lewis) Lesiecki, Jack Lewis, Jim Lewis, Joe Lewis, Kathleen Lewis, and Jeffrey Lewis. She was preceded in death by her father, John Raymond, her mother, Corinne Louisa, and her siblings, Donna, Joanne, and Elizabeth.
A memorial service will be held on September 9 at 1 pm at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service in Fredericksburg Virginia, with a Celebration of Life to follow. We encourage family and friends to come together to share stories, trade tales, and lift a toast in memory of Mary.
Although Mary had a deep appreciation for flowers, if you would like to make a donation in her memory, please consider contributing to the American Lung Association.
Mary's legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.