Mary Elizabeth Schroeder

Beloved Mother of Kenneth Schroeder Jr., Craig Schroeder and Marilyn Loving. Beloved Grandmother of Benjamin Schroeder

Mary was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 19, 1927, to her parents Olive Barklay McHale and Holford Gilmour Arrison. She joined her older brothers, Holford Gilmour Jr., and William Clarence III. Her family moved to Merchantville, New Jersey, when she was three years old.

Mary acquired the nickname "Sunnie" when she was the captain of the Merchantville High School women's basketball team. It began as a playful take on her last name of Arrison (Sonnie). It became the perfect moniker for her bright and optimistic personality.

After earning a partial scholarship, she went on to attend Ursinus College, where she majored in Physical Education and minored in English. During her Freshman year, she met her future husband, soulmate and love of her life, Kenneth Schroeder. After graduation, they were married on July 10, 1948, and formed a loving bond that kept them inseparable. They soon added to their family by welcoming three children; Kenneth, Craig and Marilyn.

While living with her family in Huntington Station, Long Island, Mary began working at the West Hills Elementary School Library, where she enjoyed reading to young children.

The family then moved to Howard County, Maryland, in 1966. Mary soon began her long tenure at the Howard County Public Library. Before the age of "Siri" there was "Sunnie", working the reference desk, where she guided students and adults alike to the proper resources, enabling them to find the answers to their questions.

Mary also became active in the St. John's Episcopal Church choir and naturally took to organizing their music library, as well as lending her strong alto voice to the singing of the hymns.

Mary loved games and sports. She was an expert at crosswords and jumble puzzles, and also skillfully played bridge regularly with a group of friends and neighbors. She also loved all Baltimore sports; especially the Orioles, and had a partial season ticket plan that she enjoyed.

She loved to travel. Later in life, she was able to travel to many beautiful and exotic places, including Egypt, Russia, Alaska and Europe.

Mary was truly the heart of her family. Her laugh, wit, kindness and caring were the glue that held her family together. She will be greatly missed.

A service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 9140 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, Maryland, on Saturday, October 18 at 10 A.M. Burial in the church cemetary will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. John's Episcopal Church will be appreciated.