Mary Patricia Schilling

Mary was born August 9, 1949 in La Crosse, Wisconsin and adopted at birth into a loving family by William and Florence (McDaniel) Rohan of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Mary graduated from Regis High School in Eau Claire (1967) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wisconsin State University – Eau Claire (1971). Following graduation, she began employment as the Medical Librarian at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.

Mary wed Lawrence Schilling of Eau Claire on August 7, 1971. The adventure had begun. In April of 1974 they moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia where Mary was employed as a Library Assistant at Germanna Community College. In November of 1975, Mary and Larry moved to Lancaster, California. Mary began work in the library of Antelope Valley College in December of 1976, retiring as a Library Technical Assistant in August of 2006.

Mary managed the circulation desk at Antelope Valley College for much of her career. She loved books and library work, but especially enjoyed training and mentoring student assistants. Her “stairwell conferences” became legendary as she helped students navigate their first real job. Many of her students have stayed in touch as they moved on through life.

Mary had a delightful, engaging personality and her joyous laughter, quick wit, and ever-present smile brought happiness to everyone around her. She was a real character with a great sense of humor. Mary’s “inner child” would often emerge in playful and delightful ways. Her friendly and gentle banter made her a pleasure to be with. Everybody loved Mary.

Mary was smart, kind and loving with a big heart and was always ready to help. She had a lot of energy and talent and enjoyed many hobbies and activities. Mary especially enjoyed reading but also loved crocheting, knitting, and sewing and made countless afghans, lap blankets, stocking hats, head bands, and other items that she donated to charity or gave to family and friends.

Mary had an adventurous spirit and was eager to go. She enjoyed travel, camping, hiking, prospecting, 4-wheeling, yearly houseboat trips on Lake Powell, annual Thanksgiving cookouts and other outdoor activities and she put her talent for organizing outings to good use. Mary loved wildflowers and birds and became quite expert at identifying them. Her pockets were often filled with interesting rocks she had collected. Mary could often be found working on some project or other with Larry at their rural home. She had her own toolbox and knew how to use it. Mary created and kept a comfortable home and was a welcoming hostess.

Mary also enjoyed participating with Larry in NASA activities, attending a Shuttle launch, many landings, research aircraft flight parties and other functions.

During the first ten years of retirement, Mary and Larry were gone from home almost one third of the time. Road trips, camping, or flying to visit family and friends kept them on the go.

But mostly, Mary enjoyed just being with Larry. They were almost inseparable and went through life together as best friends, choosing activities they could participate in together, and helping and supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. Mary practiced a “no regrets” policy resulting in many kindnesses and visits to family and friends.

Mary’s loving personality often broke through even as she lost ground in her battle against failing health. Mary knew she was at home and recognized Larry and her caregiver till the end.

Mary is survived by Lawrence, her husband of 53 years; her brother Richard (Davena) Rohan of Frederic, WI; her sister-in-law Linda (Charles) Anderson of Westboro, WI; and brothers-in-law Brian (Sharlene) Schilling of Eau Claire, WI and Stephen (Judith) Schilling of Chippewa Falls, WI. She is also survived by aunts, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents William and Florence (McDaniel) Rohan.

The family would like to thank Comfort Keepers and especially Mary’s primary caregiver, Elisabeth Rambus. The family would also like to thank Diamond Key Hospice and the outstanding medical professionals they provided to help Mary remain in her home and ensure her wellbeing and comfort.

A celebration of life is scheduled on January 27th at 11:00 AM at Joshua Mortuary in Lancaster, CA.

Note: These pictures are special favorites. In the picture on the left, Mary is in her early 40’s. She is healthy and confident, kind and loving, happy, and enjoying life. The picture on the right was taken about 15 months before Mary’s death. Parkinson's Disease and medication slowly robbed her of the ability to smile. And, while Mary continued to smile occasionally, the picture on the right is the last time she was captured with a big smile on camera. On this rare day, Mary was alert and engaging and her face lit up. It is a special memory.

Additional photos have been uploaded to https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/lancaster-ca/mary-schilling-12062251. Or you can just Google “Mary P Schilling obituary”