Mary M. Schaller

MARY M. SCHALLER (nee Brandt) age 98, beloved wife for 69 years of the late Edward; loving mother of Leslie Schaller (husband Tim Foran deceased) and Lisa Schaller-DeCarbo (husband Nick); cherished daughter of the late Walter and Mary (nee Keegan) Brandt; dearest sister of the late Walter (wife Josephine deceased) and Alice Brandt; dear aunt and great aunt of many. 

Mary grew up in East Cleveland weathering the depression years as a child, and then World War II as a teenager and young adult. She attended grade school at St. Philomena parish and then high school at Shaw. Ed and Mary enjoyed many class reunion lunches as Shaw graduates. A rooted east-sider, Mary worked as the administrative assistant to the head librarian in East Cleveland, supplanting a life-long love of reading and continuous learning which most recently was satisfied by books on tape. She met her husband Ed, ice skating in downtown Cleveland, and they soon married in 1949.
 
By 1952 they moved to Longwood Road in Mayfield Heights, a house expanded, rebuilt and redecorated well over 70 years, one of Mary and Ed’s many passions. As a long-time supporter of the Cleveland Museum of Art, Mary always exhibited a creative streak and a love of the arts. Mary excelled at fashion, interior design and gardening. She was an expert seamstress, making clothes for herself and her daughters. A talent that led to a job at Eve’s Fabric Shop in later years.
 
Mary and Ed traveled extensively during retirement, spending winters in Florida, railroading across the US and even a trip through the Panama Canal. Mary enjoyed her friends and family through many events, girlfriend lunches and visits to her daughters in Atlanta and Athens. Somewhat of an information junkie, she was always up to date on current events. As a long-standing democrat, she had no shortage of opinions ready to share, but with a sense of humor and wicked glint in her eye. An extraordinary long life and exceptional woman, she will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Mary to Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, 6085 Parkland Blvd, Suite 175, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124.

Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Church of Saint Clare, 5659 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH at 10AM. Burial following at Lake View Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Mary at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) MONDAY 3-5 AND 6-8 PM.