Elizabeth "Betty" (Mullally) Schumacher passed peacefully on Thursday, October 8, 2009. Betty was born on August 12, 1923 in Aberdeen, SD, to her loving parents, William F. and Daisy (Honey) Mullally. She grew up in Aberdeen, the eldest daughter in a family of ten. Betty graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1942. She entered Presentation School of Nursing in June, 1942. She graduated in June, 1945. While training as a student cadet nurse at Army Hospital in Clinton, IA, she met Corporal Joseph Schumacher. They were married March 14, 1945. Following her graduation, they moved to Kenosha to begin their life together and raise their family. She proudly raised five sons, Thomas (Mary) Schumacher of Corrales, NM, Curtis (Deborah) Schumacher of Kenosha, Paul (Kim) Schumacher of Pleasant Prairie, Mark Schumacher of Bloomfield, NM, and Keith (Linda) Schumacher, of Bristol. She also has seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Betty and Joseph divorced in 1974. Betty enjoyed a long career in industrial nursing. She worked 15 years at American Motors and then worked for Ladish Tri-clover, Inc. until her retirement in 1987. While working full-time, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Marquette University. She was an active member of A.N.A. serving as the local president in 1971. She also served as chairman of Occupational Health State division in 1972. Betty was a long time member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church and later St. Therese parish. She moved to Rio Rancho, NM, in 1994 where she enjoyed the milder climate with her faithful dog, Cloudy. She returned to Kenosha due to failing health and to be closer to family. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 16th, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. George Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations made to Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice Alliance would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Betty’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Anonymous
In honor of a beautiful and vibrant woman, whose independent spirit and goodness I have always greatly admired. I miss you, Grandma Betty and will take comfort in knowing you are now truly home. With love always, Erika
The Morin Family
Dear Tom and Mary, Curt and Debbie, Paul and Kim, Mark, Keith and Linda, My eyes are filled with tears as I write this. Please accept our most sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. George and I are truly honored to have known your mother as she meant the world to us. She inspired me in so many ways. She was a radiant and wonderful lady who enjoyed life to the fullest.Memories of our times together regardless of where we where or what we were doing will be forever held dear to us. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. With our deepest sympathyGeorge, Shelley, Randy & Ryan Morin
Steven Schumacher
October 19, 2009
I am happy to know Grandma is safe and sound at home with the Lord. She always welcomed me to her home and would never let me go hungry when I left. As soon as I got my driver's license, I would love to tote her and her favorite companion, Cloudy, around. I know she really enjoyed when we went by Lake Michigan to take Cloudy for walks. I am going to miss her always.
Laurel Costello (Johnson)
October 17, 2009
Annrita and I grew up, from the age of 10, in Aberdeen on Jackson St. I loved being in the midst of this big, Irish family and probably spent more time there than at my own home. I knew Mike, Pat, Esther and Sister Loyola. The others I met occasionally or heard about often from their proud mother. One summer Annrita went to Wisconsin to help Betty with the children. That was one long summer for me, with my best Jackson St. buddy gone. To make it worse, Annrita came home with beautiful (to my 13 year old eyes) lavender penny loafers, which I covet to this day. I know Betty was a strong and positive woman. I am sorry to hear her health was not good in her later years; however, she is now healthy, resting and with her parents and siblings that went ahead.God bless all of you, knowing the Mullally's made my childhood so much better.Love, Laurel Costello (Johnson)
Patrick Knapp
October 15, 2009
I still remember being barely three years old, helping Aunt Betty set up the kiddy pool on our back porch in South Bend, Indiana. She was there to babysit me while my parents were gone. Several of the neighborhood kids came over. Aunt Betty was the type to have those sorts of mischievous great ideas--she tossed a baseball around with me, and even made Grandma Mullally's signature cinnamon rolls. It was heaven on earth for a little kid like me. She made some of my earliest memories, and I'll never forget her for it.
Mike J. Mullally,Sr.
October 15, 2009
My sorrow comes from reflecting that I never enjoyed to the fullest that incredibly vivacious, beautiful person I had the privilege of being able to call "my sister Betty". She was 12 years my senior, and as a child she was like a second mother who was a whirling dervish of energy who completed household tasks in the time it took others to think about doing them. She was arguably the most beautiful girl to come out of South Dakota in the 1940's, a gifted athlete who could out skate and out shoot most men her age. A true "Annie Oakley", stories of Betty shooting a 10 gauge shot gun because no man person wanted to use the gun with that kick are legend in our family. WW II prematurely separated us, but Betty was always a better sister than I was brother to her.My joy comes from the knowledge that her life as prisoner of Alzheimer's disease has ended, her children, siblings, and friends now know that she is no long being held prisoner by that horrible disease. Yes, Thomas & Mary, Curt & Debbie, Paul & Kim, Mark, and Keith & Linda, you no longer have a mother on earth, but you do have a mother who is a Saint in heaven.Uncle Mike Mullally
Susan Mullally Knapp
October 15, 2009
Dear Cousins, Your mother was and will continue to influence my life. Like her mother, my Grandma Daisy,she truly was a saint, seeing only the good in life despite many difficulties. Like her parents, she believed in the power of prayer. Nothing dampened her Irish spirit or rattled her faith. An indefatigable worker, her exuberance, both physical and mental, energized everyone around her. My admiration for her began as a young child when Daddy told me she could shoot a shotgun as well as any man. I learned she played the lead in her high school senior play and was an accomplished figure skater. My childhood memories of her include her tirelessly playing with us kids, whether it was riding bikes, swimming or playing ball. AND, she ALWAYS bought us candy! For the family, her resources were available to anyone who needed her. She attended my wedding, and those of each of my siblings. When my husband and I needed to make a house hunting trip to Massachusetts, Betty came to South Bend to babysit three-year-old Patrick. Once we were settled in ournew home, she visited us near Boston. Patrick still remembers her playing "Ghostbusters" with him. Merlyn recalls the delicious apple pie she made from scratch. I recall her excellent nursing skills — one of my Irish wolfhounds was recovering from surgery when a bump appeared on his incision. She correctly diagnosed it as a stitch abscess and recommended warm compresses, saving me a vet bill! Hence, it seemed almost inconceivable that this beautiful auburn haired lady with the sparkling blue eyes and lust for life should succumb to Alzheimer's disease. I have missed her dreadfully since the onset of her disease. To be sure, she is where she belongs, having a ball in heaven with her parents, Uncle Pat, Aunt Esther, Sister Loyola and Aunt Beth. She will remain in my heart forever. Our condolences to each of you for your loss.Susan Mullally Knapp,Niece of Elizabeth Schumacher
Lawrence Litz
October 15, 2009
To the Schumacher family,We wish to send our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. We can only hope and pray that the wonderful memories you hold in your heart will keep you strong during this very difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Larry and Barb Litz Olive Branch, Mississippi
Mike Mullally (Jr.)
October 14, 2009
My memories of my "Aunt Betty" are from my childhood in the 60's and the famous family reunion in '68. She was always bigger than life and a true "Mullally". The stories my Dad aunts and uncles made her all the more so. I still picture her out doing all the boys, and then some. Her bragging rights along with her Irish story telling skills make for some fund memoriesCondolences to all the family,Mike Jr.
Judy Testard
October 14, 2009
To Tom, Curt, Paul, Mark and Keith, I am not sure if you will remember me, but I sure remember you all.I was your babysitter back in the 50's. I lived around the corner from you by Lincoln Park. You all lived on 16th street. I often wonder how I ever took care of all of you. A teenager, taking care of 5 boys. I grew up to have 3 of my own and it wasn't easy because like your mom, I had to work too. I remember how nice your mom was and such a hard worker. I have not seen any of you for over 50 years and I am now almost 70 but I sure will never forget your family. I am so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. I want you all to know, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.Below is a quote that has comforted me, I hope you will also find comfort in these words."Those who live no more still echo within our thoughts and words,And what they did has become woven into what we are."
PAUL DUFFIN
October 14, 2009
KEITH, MY PRAYERS AND WELL WISHES ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TRYING TIME. I JUST SEEN YOU AT GEORGES AND I KNOW HOW TOUGH THIS MUST BE FOR YOU. I'M SURE YOU WILL HAVE GREAT MEMORIES AS YOU LOOK BACK AT HER LIFE AND YOUR FAMILIES. GOD BLESS AND TAKE CARE. YOUR FRIEND, PAUL
Dan and Kathy Howen
October 14, 2009
We feel honored to have known and worked with you over the years, Betty.Rest in peace and may God Bless you and your family.