Emme Schneider

November 13, 1914 – April 23, 2011

Emme Schneider's life was filled with joy, vitality, and love. A person of abundant energy, she lived her long life to the fullest, and enjoyed enriching the lives of those around her. She strongly believed that life is an adventure and that each day should be savored and enjoyed. She was also fond of saying: "Isn't Life Beautiful?"

Born in Fresno to George and Catherine Bier, Volga Germans from Russia who immigrated in 1910, Emme was a middle child. Her older brother Immanuel died of tetanus at the young age of 16. She told many stories of a happy childhood out in the country with her loving parents, Immanuel, and her younger brother Earl, of whom she was very fond. She started school at age four, not knowing a word of English. Several years later she was assisting students in the grades below her.

In 1933, Emme married Harry Schneider of Kerman. Their wedding lasted three days, typical then for German families regardless of economic circumstance. She and Harry were extremely frugal, and avoided buying anything on credit. In 1934 June Marlene was born, followed by Harriette Elaine in 1936. The Schneiders raised their girls in an 800-square foot house in the countryside of Kerman, where Emme lived until moving to Westlake Park in Fresno in the late 90s.

Emme and Harry equally shared the responsibilities of farming their crops. Often she would take her young daughters out to the field while she tied vines and rolled trays, for the simple reason that there was work to be done. Her farming experience extended to paid labor for other farmers, milking cows, raising chickens, planting and selling melons, and picking and drying peaches and apricots.

Her domestic talents were substantial. Because she grew up poor, she learned to be resourceful. For example, she made dresses for her daughters out of flour sacks, and crafted a new coat for each made from a tattered one of her own. She was an excellent cook, creating traditional German dishes like broda, fresh egg noodles, verenica, and beerocks. She perfected American traditions like fried chicken and fresh fruit pies with flaky crusts, and then experimented with new traditions like enchiladas. Many of the ingredients in these dishes came from her garden.

Soon after her daughters married, Emme's five grandchildren entered her life. Her grandchildren were a great source of joy and amazement. She felt they kept her young and did not hesitate to bring all five along on her summer vacations to the cabin at Bass Lake. The antics of the grandkids added to the collection of funny stories Emme would tell. Emme and Harry took in their granddaughter Darla at a young age and treated her as if their own.

During the early 1960s, Emme sought outside work in retail. Thinking it would only be a summer job to earn money to buy clothes for her and family and to "just get it out of her system," Emme ending up selling women's shoes for more than 30 years. Most of her career was spent with a small local department store chain, Rodders, primarily at the downtown Fresno store. One factor to which she attributes her long and healthy life is the fact that she had a job that she loved; she said every day was like going to a party. She was the best sales person around and attracted loyal customers from all over the Valley. She even traveled to Los Angeles and New York on shoe-buying trips.

Yet another aspect of Emme's life was as a devoted family caregiver. When her father died, she brought her mother into her home until her death. And when Harry became chronically ill, Emme was his sole caregiver for years until his death in 1990. Well into her eighties, she drove her daughters to medical appointments and brought them meals. So strong was her drive to take care of others, that it was very difficult for Emme to transition from the caregiver role to being the one under the care of others at the end of her life journey.

After Harry died, Emme decided to pursue a passion she had put aside until then: dancing. She joined Arthur Murray Studios, took many lessons in all forms of ballroom dance, and met many new friends. She performed locally, and traveled to New Orleans and even took a cruise with the Studio. For more than a decade, she danced many nights a week, wearing show-stopping outfits made to flow across the dance-floor.

While dancing she met her friend Tawanda, and that friendship led to Emme's move to Westlake Park in Fresno. For the first time in her life, she had next-door neighbors, an indoor shower, and plenty of closet space. She relished visiting and chatting with her new friends as she tended to her flower-filled yard and walked her dog Nikko.

Emme will be missed deeply by her family and many friends. She was the 'glue' for us all. She led by example. She taught us to enjoy every moment (even the difficult ones), work hard every day and care for others. She provided great advice and encouragement to allow us to stand independently; her only expectation was for us to follow her lead and to live life to its fullest.

Emme's family wishes to especially acknowledge the professional and compassionate care provided by seven special women from Angeli Care: Mercedes, Mai Ka, Rebecca, Rosa, Sandy, Shirley, and Thelberta, and by her St. Agnes Hospice nurse Ginger. Thanks to her many friends who conveyed kind expressions of support and provided the sustenance that carried us through this special transition in Emme's life.

Her beloved grandson Eddie died in 1999.

Survivors include her grandchildren, Debbie Cauble and her husband, Mark Nelson, Cindy Carlson, Clint Carlson, and Darla Gustaitis and her husband Pete. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Courtney Salinas and her husband David, Amber Schneider and her husband Jason, Casey Cauble, Katherine Cauble, and Scarlett Carlson. She delighted in the latest generation of great-great granddaughters, Emily Salinas, Corina Salinas, and Rylie Schneider. Other special people in her life were Suzie Arabian Walton and Mary Jane Sabol. Her canine companion and best buddy, Nikko, will miss her constant affection.

A Funeral Service will be held at Stephens & Bean Chapel on Thursday, April 28, 2011, at 1:00 p.m.

In Emme's honor and memory, we suggest that you adopt a homeless animal, plant flowers in a yard, share a funny story with family, dance through life to your own music, or support a child in the pursuit of his or her dreams. Instead of sending flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA.