Mary Louise (Kenepp) Schumacher

Mary Louise Schumacher, a lifelong resident of the Akron/Lakemore area, passed away peacefully at the age of 86.

Born on April 13, 1939, Mary was the youngest of eleven children born to Elmer and Pearl (Givler) Kenepp. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Catherine, Art, Bob, Gene, Elmer, Dilla, and Al. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Steve Pryseski, and the late love of her life, Joe Reedy.

Mary grew up with her loving parents and siblings in a small simple home. She always said, they didn’t have much, but they knew they were loved. She had many wonderful stories of her childhood she shared over her lifetime. She graduated from Ellet High School in 1957. During her teenage years she worked at the beloved neighborhood Ellet Theatre. In 1959, she married Bob Schumacher, beginning a life centered on family. She was a lifelong member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where her faith remained an important part of her life until her passing.

Early in her career, Mary used her creativity designing displays for JC Penney in Ellet Plaza before fully dedicating herself to her marriage and raising her two children as a devoted homemaker in Stow, then settling in the Akron community of Ellet.  The home on Eastgate Avenue was the neighborhood kids hangout, with many a kickball games played. Friends and family would gather for countless holidays and celebrations. She was a wonderful host. Mary was an impeccable professional seamstress making prom dresses, quilts, pompom, majorette uniforms and home decor.

In her thirties she began a career with Akron Public Schools, where she taught Driver’s Education to hundreds of students across the city, leaving a lasting impact on generations of young drivers. Mary concluded her career working in Human Resources at the APS administration office, and even after retirement, she continued giving back through her work with Project RISE.

In 2002, Mary moved to her home on Springfield Lake, where she found joy in gardening, wildlife, and artful home projects, all while living next to her lifelong friend, Char Summerton Ekstrom. She had a special love for monarch butterflies and took great care in planting milkweed near the lake, delighting in watching them grow and hatch. Sipping wine on the dock with friends was another simple joy that brought her peace and happiness.

She loved vacationing at the beach with family and shelling. Her favorites were sand dollars which she displayed throughout her home.

Mary’s life was one of simplicity and dedication—to her family, her faith, her community, and the many lives she touched. She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and the lasting impact she made on those who knew her.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Julie (Brad) Pryseski Beckert, and her son, Bobby (Barbara) Schumacher. She was a proud and loving Mimi to Rachel (Dan) Lazar, Erica Schumacher, Hannah Pryseski, and Bobby Schumacher and 5 great grand children. She is also survived by her sisters Betty Baughman, Barbara Higgins, and Alice Funk.

She loved all her pets immensely, including neighborhood strays. She leaves in the care of her family, her kitties Tigger and Gray.

Thank you to Janette Keblesh and Denise Helmick for your loving care of our Mom.

A memorial and celebration of life will take place later this spring.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite pet rescue in Mary’s name.

Arrangements entrusted to Adams Mason Funeral Home (330)535-9186 www.adamsmason.com

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.