Mary Lou Schneider

Born in Albany, NY to the late Alfred and Marjory Sabisch, Mary Lou graduated from the Albany Academy for Girls, Class of 1951. She attended Springfield College, her father’s alma mater, where she was proud to be a graduate in the school’s first women's class in 1955. At Springfield, she met her husband of over 55 years, the late Richard L. Schneider. Two of her children also graduated from Springfield College.

Shortly after their marriage, the couple was stationed in Heidelberg Germany from 1955 to 1957, while Richard served in the U.S. Army. This period sparked a lifelong love of travel, as they explored Europe together, building memories that Mary Lou would recount to family with fondness.

After their time abroad, they lived in Syracuse, NY while teaching physical education and coaching at various levels. They then moved to Salem, MA before settling in Marblehead, MA, to raise their family. Marylou was a skilled seamstress; she worked at Stretch and Sew and The Fabric Place as a Bernina representative, selling their state of the art sewing machines and teaching classes. She loved quilting with her friends at Crossroads Quilters and many other sewing groups.

Despite growing up in New York, she was an avid Red Sox fan. She loved summer camping trips with her family, days at the beach, and practicing yoga. She was a longtime member of the St. Stephen’s United Methodist congregation in Marblehead.

Mary Lou’s happiest times were spent in the company of those she loved—both human and canine. A passionate dog lover, she was rarely without a faithful companion by her side. Mary Lou’s legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and the friends she loved dearly. She leaves behind daughters Sue Landry and her husband Ed, of Woodstock, GA; Linda Griffiths and her husband Glenn, of Hopkinton, MA, and her son, Bill Schneider and his wife Eileen, of Georgetown, MA.. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren: Alex and Erica Landry, Caitlyn and Reece Griffiths, and Elle and Lyla Schneider.

Mary Lou was a decade-long resident of Brooksby Village in Peabody, MA. She left a lasting impression on the staff, who frequently remarked on her liveliness and spunk. She was a fixture in the hallways, navigating the corridors to check in on friends and to stay at the center of the action. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Brooksby for their compassionate care, which allowed her to maintain her independence. We are also grateful for the support and guidance provided by Care Dimensions Hospice, whose presence offered comfort to Mary Lou and the family.

A private memorial service is planned. Gifts in her memory may be made to Springfield College, Gifts Records, 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.