Mary Schlueter, retired teacher and longtime Seguin resident, passed away November 10, 2010, at age 76. Del Schlueter, Mary's husband of 54 years, three daughters, two granddaughters and legions of friends survive her.
Mary was born August 15, 1934 in Itasca, Texas to Clarence and Edna Willingham. Both lifelong educators, Mary followed in their footsteps, earning a degree in Home Economics from the University of Texas, where she met her husband and learned to bleed burnt orange. Mary went on to become an exceptional teacher, a master seamstress, an incredible mother and "nana", and an entertainer extraordinaire.
Living up to one of her mottos that "if some's good, more's better" Mary's wide smile welcomed all comers and none left her home hungry or without witness to her wicked sense of humor. No gathering was too big or project deadline too short. A consummate homemaker, she cheerfully outfitted two generations of daughters and granddaughters with Easter and Christmas dresses, Halloween costumes, prom gowns and a bazillion bridesmaid dresses.
A faithful steward at Faith Lutheran Church, Mary was a member of the Chancel singers and the Hand Bell choir. From crafting the paraments for the sanctuary to teaching vacation bible school, to feeding armies of Lutherans, she was always there when needed.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Richard, along with several dear friends (with whom she is probably already planning the next big event).
She is survived by her husband Del; daughters Jamie, Sarah and Anndy; granddaughters Lauren and Kelsey; extended family members, Beth Bierman, Kathye McCauley, Dan Shashack and Rex Jones; plus many "adopted daughters" all the way from Texas to Oregon, including numerous breast cancer survivors she has mentored along the way.
The family extends its gratitude to Dr. Beth Hellerstedt of Austin and Dr. Devon Webster of Portland who treated Mary several years for breast cancer. Their care helped extend Mary's life, allowing time to travel, copy recipes, share old photos, and to laugh and cry with family and friends. Earlier this year, Mary was able to fulfill a longtime dream of traveling to Egypt and the Holy Land. We will cherish the memories of her, sitting in the Garden of Gethsemane, standing before the Great Pyramids and perched on a camel at the Rose City of Petra. Who knows, she may have shown up at the Pearly gates on that same camel.
A Memorial service to honor Mary will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Seguin on Saturday Nov. 13th at 11:00 am. Memorial gifts may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar St., Seguin, Texas, 78155, Guadalupe Valley Regional Medical Center Hospice Services, 1215 E. Court St., Seguin, Texas, 78155 or the breast cancer charity of your choice.