On October 11, 2022, Mary Rose Schroeder passed away following a 2-year journey with cancer. She was 82.

Mary was born on April 22, 1940 to the late Frank and Helen Penner in Wembley, Alberta. She lived on "the farm" near Tofield with her 4 siblings, dividing time between school, chores, choir, and the Mennonite church community. She was raised to be principled, hard-working, honest, optimistic, humble, and loyal; qualities which she carried throughout her life.

After a year of Bible School at MBI, at age 19, she began teaching in a 1 room schoolhouse on the Prairie. Shortly thereafter she married Edwin Schroeder and had 3 children: Jerry, Bryan, and Julie. Mary was a fiercely determined woman, who constantly sought self-improvement, whether in fitness, renovation, or learning.  In 1962, she was granted her teaching certificate from the University of Alberta. In 1973, Mary and her family moved to Calgary (a city with which she never fell out of love), and where she studied for the Bachelor of Education degree. She divorced in 1976, and raised her children alone, teaching full-time in elementary schools throughout the city. Some summers she took extra work (bookkeeping and card dealing during the Stampede) to supplement her income. Ever ambitious, while working full time, she later completed her Master of Education Degree with a perfect 4.0.

During this time, Mary also took in students from Mount Royal College, adding much colour and comedy to the household. She deployed weekly meal planning and next-level "to-do" lists…she kept everyone fed on homemade brown bread, sprouted seeds, and robust home cooking. Most of these boarders became lifelong friends of the family.

Following her retirement in 1995, Mary volunteered at First Alliance Church as well as the Mustard Seed.  She took cycling and camping trips with friends. She traveled in South America, Belize, and throughout Canada with (and without) her camper, VanGO. Mary was a talented artist and took classes to sharpen her skills.  She socialized with friends and drove her grandsons to hockey practice or games. She spent hours in her garden, never failing to lose her deep gratitude and wonder for everything. She was 'eco-conscious' before it was a thing. Mary had a talent for creating intimacy and affection with almost anyone she met, an almost disarming innocence, and an infectious enthusiasm.

Mary was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease and took part in scientific studies/focus groups. Though it never fully expressed itself in her, and she was incredibly stoic about her prognosis, she probably suffered secretly a little more than she let on. However, it was cancer that claimed her life in the end. As with every challenge she'd met before, she faced it with surprising cheer and vigour. She never felt sorry for herself but sought comfort through prayer, while putting her trust in her medical practitioners. Her keen mind seemed fascinated by it all.  Her example of faith, grace, and gentle humour were humbling to witness during the last weeks of her life. She passed in absolute peace at Agapé Hospice with family at her side.

Mary will be profoundly missed by her children Jerry Schroeder, Bryan Schroeder (Larisa), and Julie Schroeder (Jan Thijs); her 4 grandsons Erik Thijs, Matthias Thijs, Sam Schroeder, and Nathan Schroeder; her brothers David Penner (Rita) and Ed Penner (Peggy); brother-in-law Mervin Neufeld (Nola); sister-in-law (Phyllis); sister-in-law Liz Schroeder; brother-in-law Victor Schroeder (Leona); sister-in-law Helen-Anne Metzger (Brian); sister-in-law Rita Schroeder; sister-in-law Elvera Schroeder (Henry); well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Please join us for a celebration of her life at First Alliance Church (12345 40 St. SE, Calgary) Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 11:00 am.  A short reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree.