Elvera May Schumacher

Elvera May Schumacher, 92, of Swansea, IL, passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2023. She was born May 19, 1931 in East St. Louis to William and Adeline (Bieter) Mertzke. Elvera was a devoted homemaker and caretaker for all her family. She enjoyed sewing clothing for her children, as well as knitting and crocheting dishtowels, pot holders and blankets for others to enjoy. She was a talented and avid bowler. She also had a passion for singing and loved playing cards, especially pinochle. Elvera and her husband, Lawrence, were several of the founding members of Peace Lutheran Church in Belleville. Elvera will be remembered as the strong matriarchy of the family and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Kathleen “Kathy” Calhoun of Fairview Heights; two grandchildren, John D. Clements of Belleville and Sarah (Andy) Yon of O’Fallon; 2 great-grandchildren, Sophia Hamrick and Emelia Hamrick.

Elvera is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence Schumacher; her three angels, son, Ron Schumacher; daughter, Sharon Schumacher; one infant son; son-in-law, Don Calhoun and 9 brothers and sisters.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 1:00pm in Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Pkwy West, Belleville, IL 62223 with a visitation in the funeral home from 11:00am until time of service. Interment to follow in Valhalla Gardens of Memory. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.