Michael Aaron Schlemann

Portland - Michael Aaron Schlemann passed away very unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 2 at his Shalom apartment in Portland, Maine.

Michael was born in Pomona, California, on August 22, 1971. He moved to Yarmouth at the age of 6 and attended Yarmouth Schools until he graduated high school with honors in 1990. He attended Sienna College in Albany, N.Y. and returned to Maine to graduate USM with a major in psychology. While at USM he was a member of the USM Chorale.

Michael was devoted to his service as an aide for the Portland Public Library system, where he assisted with daily operations and held weekly film nights in the Library's teen room. Most weekends he would visit the home of his childhood, assisting with maintenance and visiting family. Michael was blessed with the support of three loving brothers and a sister-in-law, all of would unite with him on a regular basis to stay in touch with the brother they loved. Michael was devoted to both sets of grandparents and extended family. He frequently visited New York to gather with his maternal grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. When the opportunity presented, he also travelled to Ohio to visit with his paternal grandparents and other relatives. In addition to family and other supports, his passion was music. He was an avid guitarist and enjoyed frequenting the numerous musical events offered in the Greater Portland area.

Michael's family would like to extend their deep gratitude to the staff and residents of the Shalom House organization for years of dedicated support that greatly helped to enrich the quality of his life. Michael fought a valiant battle with mental illness that set in during his late adolescent years. His strength and perseverance in the face of this struggle was a true inspiration to many. Michael was a truly kind, thoughtful and gentle man. He channeled his struggles and suffering to extend a great kindness and compassion to others.

Michael was predeceased by his stillborn twin brother; his paternal grandparents Lawrence and Mary Schlemann of Cincinnati, Ohio; and his maternal grandparents Philip and Marie Totonelly of Newburgh, NY. He is survived by his mother, Anita Schlemann of Yarmouth, Maine; father Lawrence Schlemann and step mother Anne Borden of Kittery Point, Maine; devoted brothers Brian P. Schlemann of Somerville, Massachusetts, Eric L. Schlemann and wife Katherine L. Schlemann of Somerville, Massachusetts, and David P. Schlemann of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Wake will be held on Sunday, August 7th from 4-6pm at Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Monday, August 8th at Sacred Heart Parish, 326 Main Street, Yarmouth, Maine. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Michael’s life and to share your condolences, memories and tributes with his family.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Michael's name to Shalom House, Inc. 106 Gilman, Portland, Maine 04102, or to NAMI Maine, 1 Bangor St, Augusta, ME 04330