Mary Ellen Schaner's Obituary
Mary Ellen (Skridulis) Schaner, passed away on September 2, 2024, in Norton Shores, Michigan. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and loyal friend. Born in 1935 to John and Ella Skridulis, in Albion Michigan on November 21st, she was artistic, beautiful, and intelligent. The family moved to Ludington, Michigan when she was 7 years old where she succeeded at practically everything she put her mind to. She had a beautiful voice and was a member of the Glee Club. During her high school years, she and a good friend won first prize in a downtown Ludington mural contest, highlighting her artistic talents. She won the lead in the senior play and graduated as the Salutatorian of her class in 1953, from St Simon’s Catholic High School.
Others saw her potential and offered her assistance to become a teacher, but Mary Ellen had plans, for the business world. Once graduated in 1953, Mary Ellen was accepted at the Spencerian Business College across the Big Lake in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Knowing no one in the city did not stop her from boarding the lake ferry and beginning the next life adventure. Once graduated, she began her career as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Ludington Public Schools.
Mary Ellen worked through high school, saving for her future. One of those jobs involved making the absolute best malteds for Frank who finally took notice of her and the extra scoop of ice cream she served in only his order. She “set her cap” for him early. He proposed and they were married on July 27, 1957, and moved to Muskegon, Michigan where she worked as a Secretary for the General Telephone company. The company offered her a promotion, but she deferred the opportunity, in favor of starting a family where she found fulfillment and joy. Once her family was launched, she resumed her career as an administrative assistant at Cannon Muskegon from which she retired in 1997.
Mary Ellen and Frank enjoyed travel around the country and took their children whenever possible. She loved the history and beauty of the United States and bequeathed that to her children. She loved gardening and brought the dune sand behind her home to life, which took skill, dedication, and persistence. She loved all God’s creatures (even the spiders), feeding the wildlife and birds around her home for over 60 years! She had a heart for those less fortunate always providing food for the church food pantry or Christmas gifts to those who were alone around the holidays. She was a true Lady and woman of faith whose family, friends, and community will miss her deeply.
Mary Ellen is survived by her loving husband Frank, their three children Frank S. Schaner (Pamela), Catherine Majestic and Susan Kay, (9) grandchildren and (8) great-grandchildren, and her sister Ruth Ann (Randy) Burkall. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Jack and Tom, sister Alice, and grandson Tim.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 6, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake. Visitation at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444, will be from 5-7 PM Thursday, September 5, with the Rosary prayed 6:30 PM. Burial will take place at Spring Lake Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Schaner may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake.
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