Louise Margaret Schumacher

Miss Louise Margaret Schumacher Louise Margaret Henrietta Schumacher, 90, formerly of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away quietly in her sleep in Kaiser Hospital of San Jose, California on July 11, 2004. She was born on May 24, 1914, the daughter of Wilhelm and Louise Ringe Schumacher in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, William Schumacher of Eau Claire and is survived by a niece, Miss Sandra Schumacher of Fall Creek, two nephews, three great-grand nieces, and two great grand nephews, all of Eau Claire. Margaret graduated from Eau Claire High School and the Fanny Farmer School of Cooking in Boston, Mass. Having finished her schooling, her first job was with a family in Martha's Vineyard. She was later hired by Kresge Stores in Food Management and later became an area Supervisor over many stores in the Midwest. When her mother became ill, Margaret gave up a promising career and returned to Eau Claire to care for her mother. She did continue working in the food preparation industry by becoming owner and operator of the Coffee Cup, a small shop in downtown Eau Claire for many years until her mother died. After her mother passed away in 1969, fulfilling a life long dream and being the adventuress she was, Margaret moved to California. Margaret moved to Saratoga where she accepted a position as live-in cook in a wealthy estate, Hayfield Manor, owned by Mrs. Henriette de Sassur Blanding Lehman, a renown philanthropist. Louise, as the Lehmans fondly knew her, worked for the family for eight years. At Hayfield, Louise was able to meet some very famous poets, novelists, playwrights and singers who came to visit the Lehmans. Once visiting from France, the daughter of Olivia de Haviland complimented Louise on one of her exquisite desserts saying 'It was better than any she had had in Paris. Louise's hobbies were fine dining and the arts. She loved to crochet and to knit. She was an avid reader of mystery and science fiction novels. Traveling was another of Louise's passions. Louise was a very active member of the Congregational Church of the Valley. Louise served as head of the Women of the Church at one time. Louise was a well-known resident of the Valley Villages of Santa Clara for many years. She was a wonderful, fascinating lady with a sharp wit and personality. Everyone whoever met her liked her immediately. She was a staunch Republican and loved to discuss politics and finance. She will be truly missed by all whose lives she touched. The deceased requested no memorial service. Donations can be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind & the American Arthritis Foundation.