Faye Pauley Schimek, 83, died May 20, 2026. Born May 24, 1942, in Charleston, West Virginia, Faye carried forward a steady courage and a generous spirit throughout her life, meeting each season with resilience, compassion, and a deep devotion to those she loved. She resided in Willis, Texas.
Faye graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston, WV, and from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Her bright mind and determined heart found a natural home in her life’s work: she was a microbiologist who spent her career in a hospital setting, including at Clear Lake Hospital, helping others by identifying medical issues and finding solutions. She valued the challenge of the work and the good it could do, approaching each day with calm bravery and a sincere desire to help people.
A woman of adventurous spirit and warm hospitality, Faye loved to travel and to spend time with friends and family. She especially treasured her time on her precious Lake Conroe, where earlier days were filled with boating and jet skiing. She also delighted in entertaining—opening her home with ease and kindness, and sustaining many close friendships that meant the world to her.
Faye also gave her time and energy to her community. She proudly worked with the North Shores Republican Women. She conducted a community development project in Houston with children at school and in the neighborhood to prevent suicide and support healthy youth. In recognition of her work with teens, she received the key to the city in Pasadena, Texas, and a bust was made in her honor from the Board of Education.
Faye was married to Mark Schimek. She is survived by her son, Michael Schimek (Lisa); grandchildren, Paige and Jacob Weksler; “bonus” children, Kalpen and Kris Patel; and “bonus” grandchildren, Arjun, Zach and Alayna Patel. She is also survived by her sister, Cecilia Brown (Bobby); nephews, Richard Bowles and Aaron Brown; niece, Giorgia De Paoli; and great-nephews, Lucas De Paoli-Brown and Enrico De Paoli-Brown.
Faye was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Schimek; her son, Scott Schimek; her nephew, Ryan Brown; her sister, Dona Bowles; her brother-in-law, Richard Bowles; and her parents, Nettle Pauley and Dwight Pauley.
Faye leaves a legacy of courage and resilience, and the enduring belief that “you can.” No matter what life sends your way, God will give you the strength to climb mountains—and then enjoy the view.
A Celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Cashner Funeral Home in Conroe, TX.
