Even as a young person, Mary was very active in her school and community. She was on her high school yearbook and newspaper staffs, and various other school organizations, including honor society, and also on the city YMCA Dance Board, which organized local youth dances. It was there that she met Marwin Richard Schnau, also a member of the Y Dance Board, and a trumpet player in the Y band that played the Big Band and jazz music for the dances.
They were married on September 30, 1950. At the time of her passing, they had been married for 68 years. During their young life when Marwin was attending college, Mary studied at the New York School of Interior Design in NYC, and was an interior decorator for a number of years. She also worked as both a dental and optometrist assistants, and telephone operator.
She had 2 daughters. Karen Lee Swartz 1951-2017 and Tanya Louise Freeman 1963- present. She was a wonderful, patient, and loving mother and wife, and the kindest person known, to all.
The Schnaus moved to Pickens, SC in 1972. Mary continued her active role in community service all through her life. She volunteered at the schools, particularly helping with literacy and special needs students, and with the PTA. She served as President of the PTA for the state of South Carolina in the late 70's and early 80's during the term of Gov. Riley. She was a volunteer with the Pumpkin Festival for many years.
Besides her love and dedication to her large extended family, her interests were art, music, fiber arts, gardens (particularly Japanese), and traveling/RV camping, often to Bluegrass festivals when Marwin retired. They were regularly at the Oolenoy Community Center on Friday nights for picking. Even as her Alzheimer's progressed, she would sing along with the old-time tunes.
Pre-deceased by her parents, 3 siblings - Dorothy Sikorra, James Lawrence, and Louise Lawrence, and her daughter, Karen. She will be missed dearly by her surviving husband Marwin, sister Ruth Hetletvedt, daughter Tanya, 2 grandchildren, Audrey and Duncan Freeman, and many nieces and nephews.
The memorial service will be held Thursday March 21, 2019 at 6:30pm at Dillard Funeral Home 2402 Gentry Memorial Hwy, Pickens, SC. All are welcome to attend. The family will receive wishes from friends following the service at Dillard's. Donations to Alzheimers Research are appreciated.
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