Mary Ellen "Docter" Schoonmaker

Mary Ellen Schoonmaker, 94, died at the Nottingham on March 16, 2026, after a long, healthy, and happy life.

She was born on September 6, 1931, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the 5th child of John C. and Edith (Bouchard) Docter. She was educated at Annunciation School, West High School, and the University of Wisconsin for training in X-ray Technology. Her first job was at Burnham City Hospital in Champaign, Illinois, where she met her husband Robert (Bob) Schoonmaker, by her own description, "a kind, good, hardworking man." They were married on January 15, 1955 in Green Bay at Annunciation Church.

In 1960 Bob was offered a job in Syracuse, New York, and they moved there with their three children and soon bought a house in the Valley. When the kids were young, Mary Ellen and Bob were active in the PTA, and at their churches (Our Lady of Lourdes and later St. James). Mary Ellen also was a Camp Fire Girl group leader for a number of years.

In addition to her activities at home and in her community, she continued to work part-time as an X-ray technician at Syracuse General, Crouse-Irving, and other area hospitals, and later she worked full-time for Drs. Lockwood, Smith, Cook, Vella, and Newman on Onondaga Hill. She retired in 1990.

In 1998 Bob and Mary Ellen sold their house in the Valley and moved to Nob Hill, and later to Wildwood Ridge in Fayetteville. Fayetteville suited Mary Ellen well, and she made new friends at the Senior Center, Immaculate Conception Parish, and in the neighborhood. She and Bob thoroughly enjoyed their 20 years of retirement, spending long winter vacations in Florida, and taking other trips to the four corners of the United States.

Mary Ellen loved babies, dogs, cats, and crows, and never met a stranger. She was unfailingly kind and welcoming to everyone, and loved her husband and family with all her heart. She loved the outdoors and outdoor activities, including tennis, swimming, cross-country skiing, ice skating, campfires, as well as biking, hiking, and especially gardening with Bob. Her many knitted and needle-crafted items continue to adorn people and furniture all over Central New York and abroad. She and Bob both also loved music and encouraged their children to pursue it for fun and profit.

Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.

We her children remember her and Bob as kind, loving parents who didn't take themselves too seriously. They supported us in every way they could. We were incredibly fortunate to have had them. They made our lives so much fun.

Mary Ellen was predeceased by her husband Bob in 2012. She is survived by her children, Jane (David) Rodgers, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, David (Beth Machan) Schoonmaker of Syracuse, Patricia (Timothy) Knapp of Fayetteville, her granddaughter, Melissa (Nicole Taylor) Knapp, of Ashburn, Virginia, and twenty-three nieces and nephews (and their children) who live throughout the United States.

The family wishes to express their extreme gratitude to the dedicated caregivers at the Nottingham Residential Health Care Facility for their very kind and gentle treatment of Mary Ellen in her final months.

A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Parish, 400 Salt Springs Street, Fayetteville, NY. Calling hour is 10am to 11am; Mass is at 11am. Reception to follow.

Flowers are lovely but ephemeral. If it suits you, please consider channeling Mary Ellen's generous spirit and donate to the charity of your choice in her memory. Thank you!