Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Mary Schaaf Obituary
Mary Elise Dudine Schaaf, 99, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on May 27, 2025.
Mary Elise was born on Dec. 2, 1925, in Jasper, Indiana, to William and Margaret Grenough Dudine.
On June 12, 1947, she married Norbert J. Schaaf, who preceded her in death on Nov. 9, 2010. She was also preceded in death by her three sisters and one brother.
Surviving are her beloved children, Dan (Bonnie) Schaaf of Michigan City, Jeanne (Rick) Strickland of Madison, Wisconsin, Thomas (Magda) Schaaf of Albuquerque, New Mexico, John (Kay) Schaaf of River Bend, North Carolina, Margaret (Charles) Kallassy of Pinehurst, North Carolina, James (Robin Walton) Schaaf of Davis, California, Elise (Sirus) Kermani of Long Beach, Indiana, and Melli (David) Hoppe of Long Beach, Indiana; 24 grandchildren; as well as many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Mary was a registered nurse and, after raising her children, worked many years at St. Anthony Hospital, where she was the Infection Control nurse. Until the end, she was deeply interested in current affairs and was always engaged in the happiness of others.
Mary was devoted to her family and friends, whom she, in turn, inspired. She was beloved for her inexhaustible memory, storytelling and enthusiasm for family history and lore. Her generosity, accepting nature and kindness with others touched their lives wherever she went. She knew herself deeply and was always true to her beliefs.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Root Funeral Home. Visitation will take place two hours prior from 9 to 11 a.m., to be followed by burial at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens in Michigan City.
Memorial donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithout borders.org, or to Concerned Citizens for the Homeless at cch-mc.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Schaaf
Diane Carter
June 4, 2025
I worked with Mary for many years. Delightful co worker.
Carol Schaaf
May 30, 2025
Sending our heart felt condolences to all of you during this time of loss. Words feel insufficient in trying to describe an unimaginable loss, Mary had a spark in her eyes and an outgoing personality and a warm loving nature! Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers! May your many happy memories lighten your hearts! Carol, children, and grandchildren
Donna Kavanagh
May 30, 2025
I am sorry I can't attend and say my sympathies to family and friends I grew up with this family my mother and Mary were friends because their kids went to Marquette high School together they were always very kind a very open loving family and she being a nurse probably attended to my mother who was struggling with cancer for 10 years I really appreciate you Mary you're in a better place now everybody just has to try to follow in your remarkable footsteps
God bless you and yours..
the Kavanagh family
Debbie & Dave Stibich
May 29, 2025
We had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Schaaf several times, through Graham and Amy. What a wonderful women she was. Always with a smile. Her kindness was amazing. She will definitely be missed. Our prayers and love go to the family.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Mary Newson
May 29, 2025
My condolences to the Schaaf & Hoppe family. Mrs. Schaaf was a very pleasant and always wore a smile, such an wonderful spirit.
Karen M Nelson-Carter
May 29, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of the family and sending loving thoughts with Peter, Jenny and Sebastian.
Lou-Ann Satkoski
May 28, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Mary Schaaf's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Mary Schaaf
Funeral services provided by:
Root Funeral Home - Michigan City312 East 7Th Street, Michigan City, IN 46360
People and places connected with Mary
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Mary's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Schaaf's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored anonymously