Anne Schneider Michael

Anne Schneider Michael, 77, of Kiawah Island, South Carolina, and Buffalo, New York, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 14, with her devoted husband Joe and daughter Katie holding her hands.

Born on October 15, 1948, in Dunkirk, New York, Anne was the beloved daughter of Mary G. Schneider and Harry D. Schneider. She grew up in Western New York and carried its strong sense of family and community with her throughout her life.

Anne majored in English at Nazareth College, where her love of literature and storytelling deepened. She briefly worked as a reporter for a small newspaper in Van Buren Point near her family cottage that held so many cherished memories. She later earned her master’s degree in Education from Canisius College and began her teaching career at Riverside High School. It was there, in the faculty lounge, that she met the love of her life, Joe. That chance meeting began a marriage that spanned 53 beautiful years - a partnership marked by laughter, devotion and unwavering support.

Anne was a dedicated educator whose warmth and steady encouragement left a lasting impression on generations of students. Anne devoted the majority of her career to teaching middle school English, where she became known not only for her excellence in the classroom but also for her leadership within the district. She played a pivotal role during the founding years of the Charles R. Drew Magnet School, an innovative program that utilized the resources of the adjacent Buffalo Zoo for its curriculum. Magnet schools at the time were widely recognized as important tools for advancing educational equity and racial diversity. Anne’s tireless efforts contributed to her school earning the Presidential School of Excellence Award in 1984. Beyond her classroom teaching, she also served as a coach for new English teachers and as a master teacher, mentoring and guiding numerous student teachers throughout her distinguished career.

But her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband, Joseph; her daughter, Katherine Anne Michael Stoltman (Kevin); and her cherished grandchildren, Nathan, Sydney and Matilda, who were the light of her life. She was predeceased in 2023 by her beloved son, Gabriel Joseph Michael, whose loss she bore with remarkable grace and strength. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Kay Muscarella (Tony), her brother, Jake Schneider (Katie), her brother-in-law, Larry Michael (Jo-Ann) and many adoring nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Anne’s kitchen was the heart of every home she made. An extraordinary cook and generous host, she delighted in gathering family and friends around her table. Her grandchildren will forever remember her grilled cheese sandwiches, tabouli and her signature sauce and meatballs. Meals with Anne were never just about food - they were about connection, conversation and love.

She was also an accomplished knitter, lovingly crafting baby sweaters for hundreds of children over the years. Each tiny sweater was made with care and quiet generosity, gifts that will be passed down through generations - a tangible reminder of her kindness.

After retiring from teaching, Anne embraced golf with enthusiasm, spending countless happy days on the course with Joe and dear friends on Kiawah Island. In 2018, shortly after declaring she might call it a day, she achieved a hole-in-one on the River Course’s 6th hole - a moment that perfectly captured her quiet determination and sense of humor.

The past five years brought Anne significant challenges, yet she faced them with resilience and grace. Through every obstacle, she showed her family how to make the most of each day, how to endure with dignity and how to continue loving fully.

A toast to Anne will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 4-6 p.m. at The Sandcastle, 1 Shipwatch Rd. on Kiawah Island. Drop in anytime between those two hours to share a memory and help us celebrate a remarkable life.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Anne’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on June 6 at Canisius High School, 1180 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Anne Michael can be made to Canisius High School and the Joseph P. Michael ‘64 Family Scholarship. As a lifelong educator, Anne was passionate about championing students, especially those in financial need. Helping young men at Canisius pursue their dreams through this scholarship will be a great tribute to her memory. https://www.canisiushigh.org/support

Anne’s life was a testament to love - in her marriage, her motherhood, her friendships, her teaching and in the countless small kindnesses she offered so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered: “We love you more!”

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.

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