Obituary of Mary J. Schiermeister

Mary J. Schiermeister (76) longtime St. Maries, Idaho, resident, died peacefully surrounded by her family on May 30, 2013, following an extended illness. She was born March 14, 1937, to William and Kathleen (McNay) Menahan at Anaconda, Montana. She grew up in Anaconda and attended St. Peter's Elementary and Central High Catholic Schools there. She married Albert C. Schiermeister on February 24, 1955, at Helena, Montana, and they made their home back and forth between Anaconda and Bismarck, North Dakota, for several years. They finally returned to Bismarck in 1959. Mary worked there at the local school lunchroom from 1968 to 1970. They moved their family to St. Maries in 1970. She began working for St. Maries Joint School District as a teacher's aide in the Special Education Department. Mary worked there for 28 years, retiring in 1999. She found fulfillment in working in Special Education, making lasting relationships with the students. Mary enjoyed bowling, painting and crafting. She also enjoyed attending her sons' and grandchildren's sporting activities. Her family said she would be remembered for her quick Irish wit and sense of humor. "She was always the life of the party." Mary was a member of St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church and a 40-year member of the St. Maries Eagles Auxiliary. She is survived by her husband Al at the family home, sons and daughters-in-law Al and Stacie Schiermeister, Dan and Pam Schiermeister, Ken and Jodi Schiermeister and son Tim Schiermeister, all of St. Maries, and her daughter Deborah Brebner-Sly of Boise. Also considered children by Mary since she and Al raised them, she is survived by Bill (Gretchen) Brebner of Spokane Valley and Jeremy (Yulanda) Brebner of St. Maries. She is also survived by brothers Bill Menahan of Helena, Montana, and Ken Menahan of Anaconda, Montana, her sister Bonnie Jennings of Lewiston, Idaho, 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Catholic church on Saturday, June 8, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Francisco Godinez celebrant. A gathering of family and friends will follow services at St. Maries Eagles Lodge. The family suggests memorials to either Hospice of Benewah Co. 702 W. College Ave, St. Maries, ID 83861 or Idaho Special Olympics, Designate Area 1, 199 E. 52nd St. Garden City, ID 83714. Visit her online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.hodgefuneralhome.com Read Mary Schiermeister's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.