Mary Hazen Schneider

Mary was born in Burlington, Vermont, on February 15, 1935. She grew up in the North Hero Island area near the Canadian border on Lake Champlain, where she formed many lifelong friendships. She was a loving and protective sister to her brother Skip, who preceded her in death. Because her hometown was too small to have a high school, Mary and Skip traveled more than 100 miles to attend the Lyndon Institute in Lyndonville, Vermont — an experience that reflected her determination, independence, and commitment to education.

Mary met her beloved husband, Al, in Burlington, Vermont. They were married in Syracuse, New York, in 1955. During those early years, Mary and Al began raising their family of four young children while Al worked and attended Syracuse University full-time — a testament to Mary’s strength, resilience, and steady leadership within her family.

After college, Al began a 33-year career with the National Park Service. With assignments from coast to coast, Mary embraced each move with grace and optimism, helping her family build meaningful lives in Gettysburg, Washington, D.C., Cape Cod, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, and finally in Mineral and Red Bluff, California. Wherever they lived, Mary created a warm and welcoming home and formed lasting friendships.

Mary worked for 10 years in customer service for PG&E in Corning and Red Bluff, where she was known for her kindness, patience, and practical common sense. She had a natural ability to connect with people and was truly a great conversationalist. Whether speaking with friends, neighbors, coworkers, or strangers, she made others feel heard and valued.

Mary was deeply devoted to her family and was the steady, guiding presence in her immediate family. She led with love and wisdom, always putting family first. Her values were clear and unwavering — loyalty, kindness, hard work, and compassion. She was truly family-oriented in every sense of the word.

She cherished her regular bridge group and treasured the camaraderie and laughter they shared. Mary was also an accomplished quilter and enjoyed needlepoint, creating beautiful handmade pieces that her family will treasure for generations. Her creativity, patience, and attention to detail were evident in every stitch.

A devoted dog lover, Mary found great joy and companionship in her pets throughout the years. Animals held a special place in her heart, reflecting her gentle and caring spirit.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Al, her brother Skip and her granddaughter Katie. She is survived by her children, Shawn, Scott, Kurt, and Sabrina; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; her daughters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom carry forward her love, strength, and enduring example.

Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Red Bluff, California, followed by a reception at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall.

Please join us in remembering Mary Hazen Schneider by visiting her memorial at www.chapeloftheflowers.net . Through this site, we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the employees of Lassen House Senior Living, where Mary received excellent and loving care in her final years.