Ann Marie Schrems

In Loving Memory of
Ann Marie Schrems (Riggenbach)
December 10, 1934 – April 23, 2025
Ann was born on December 10, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, the only child of Henry and Anna Riggenbach, who preceded her in death. She was the beloved wife of the late Michael Schrems and the devoted mother of ten children.
In 2018, Ann suffered the heartbreaking loss of her eldest daughter, Catherine A. Reeves. She is survived by nine loving children, twenty grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, with an eighth on the way.
Ann grew up in Cleveland Heights, graduated from Beaumont School, and attended Ursuline College. As a young woman, she worked downtown at Higbee's and AAA, inspiring a lifelong wanderlust. While attending Ursuline, she met Michael at a college dance, and they married on September 3, 1955. They began their life together on Cottage Grove in Cleveland Heights and moved to Hickory Drive in Chesterland in 1959.
Together, Ann and Mike were founding members of St. Anselm Parish, the Chesterland Jaycees, and the Cleveland Performing Arts Ministries' Tetelestai.
Ann was a dedicated parishioner and volunteer, serving as a Eucharistic minister and altar server. She gave her time generously to numerous church events, including parish picnics, Sunday coffee socials, bingo, bereavement meals, Seder Suppers, Thanksgiving meals, the Wine and Cheese Festival, and serving meals in Collinwood.
Ann was a homemaker and spent most of her life managing the chaos that ensues while raising 10 children. Despite the demands of a busy household, she remained hardworking and resourceful, taking on side jobs, most notably selling Avon, to help support her family.
Having spent much of her life preparing meals for her large family, she found great joy in cooking with her children, especially during the holidays, making countless Christmas cookies and cherished family meals.
Ann was an avid reader who enjoyed a wide variety of genres, always eager to explore new stories and ideas. She instilled this love of reading in her children and grandchildren, fostering a shared passion for books across generations.
She was also an avid sports fan, with a special devotion to the Cleveland Indians (Guardians). Her love for the game ran so deep that she created her own scorecards and meticulously recorded every play.
With a deep appreciation for all genres of art and music, Ann introduced her family to the beauty of live performances, from theater and ballet to concerts. Music brought her immense joy, a joy she lovingly shared with her children and grandchildren. Whether playing records or occasionally sitting down at the piano or keyboard with her grandchildren, she created musical moments that will be forever treasured by her family.
Ann's love of the beach began in childhood, during frequent visits to her family's cottage along the shores of Lake Erie. She carried this passion throughout her life, often sharing it with her own family, from picnics at Punderson and Mentor Headlands to sun-soaked vacations in Florida. She especially cherished the ocean breezes and warm sands of Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and West Palm Beach.
Ann was a cancer survivor whose unwavering faith and the support of her family helped her overcome the disease multiple times. Though she faced many challenges in life, she remained steadfast in her faith and always found strength in God. Her kindness, generosity, and loving spirit touched all who knew her.
After the passing of her dear husband Mike, Ann relocated to Florida for nearly a decade, where she was lovingly cared for by her devoted daughters, Anne and Mary.
Ann was a loving, kind, and generous woman who was deeply loved by all who knew her. Her family will forever miss her unconditional love, warm smile, and the ever-present twinkle in her eyes.
Please join the family in celebrating Ann's life and faith at her funeral Mass on Monday, July 7, at 10:00 AM, at St. Anselm Church, 12969 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blackburn Center, a place close to Ann's heart where her devoted daughter Cathy worked and touched many lives. Contributions can be made directly or through Elizabeth (Schrems) Soltis, in loving memory of Ann.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com.
All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.