Claradale Mary Schindler

Claradale Mary Staff Schindler, 95, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully departed this life on March 25, 2022, in Tomball, Texas. She was born at home on the family farm in El Campo, Texas, on January 6, 1927, to Emil and Frances Staff. Her husband of 56 years, Alvin Joe Schindler, Sr., preceded her in death. They made Houston their home and had six children: Alvin Joe (Sherry) Schindler, Jr., Alan Wayne (Carol) Schindler, Elaine Marie Hines, Brenda Dale (Gerry) Sullivan, Kenneth Emil (Melinda) Schindler, and Sandra Ann Schindler. They were also blessed with 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Starting at an early age, she and her six siblings were responsible for daily farm chores of tending vegetable gardens, picking cotton and corn, and caring for the livestock. She said it was a hard life, but she also recalled many good memories. The family attended church every Sunday “come rain or shine”. She remained committed to her Catholic faith throughout her life. As her children got older, she worked part-time at former Foley’s Department Store in downtown Houston for 15 years, being recognized many times for her hard work and leading sales performance. Sewing was her lifelong passion, always filling her home with the humming sound of a sewing machine. She enjoyed gardening, various crafting, playing Mexican Train, and following her beloved Houston Astros.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wreaths Across America or Wounded Warrior Project.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 4, 2022 from 5-8 pm with a Rosary Service at 6:30 pm at Pat H. Foley & Co. A funeral mass for Claradale will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 10:30 AM at St Anne's Catholic Church, 1111 S. Cherry St., Tomball, TX 77375. Following the funeral mass will be a committal service at 2:00 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10401 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pathfoleyfuneraldirectors.com for the Schindler family.