Mary R Schwabe

Mary Rose Schwabe (née Lombardo) peacefully entered eternal rest on February 3rd, 2024, at the age of 93. She was joyfully welcomed into the embrace of heaven by her best friend and the love of her life, Louie. Together, they built a remarkable legacy grounded in love, resilience, and a profound devotion to family.

Mary, born on January 12, 1931, in Milwaukee, WI, was the cherished daughter of the late Thomas and Rose Lombardo. Growing up alongside her sisters Katherine, Dorothy, Frances, and Christine, Mary learned the values of love, loyalty, and family that would shape her entire life. In the company of her beloved husband Louie, Mary was blessed with five children: Debbie, Paul, Doreen, Louise, and Roxanne. Their family expanded to include 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren with one more on his way, forming a tapestry of love and joy that spanned generations.

Mary's dedication to her family extended to every aspect of her life. A devoted mother, she actively participated in her children's lives, serving as a Girl Scout leader for her daughters and a Den Pack leader for her son. Her commitment to instilling values of courage and character resonated throughout her family. Beyond her roles as a loving wife and mother, Mary was a beloved cook and baker for Milwaukee Public Schools for 28 years. Her warm spirit and caring nature endeared her to students and staff alike, forming lifelong friendships that she cherished deeply. Mary's unwavering support continued as she attended all her grandchildren's events, celebrating their triumphs and milestones. Sunday family dinners became a beloved tradition, a testament to her passion for bringing loved ones together over her renowned Italian cooking. Above all, Mary held her family as the most precious treasure of her life. She was the glue that held everyone together, creating a bond that transcended time and distance.

Mary leaves behind her children: Debbie (Mike) Destrampe, Paul (Becky) Schwabe, Doreen (Joseph) Robak, Louise (James) Stepaniak, and Roxanne Dougherty. Her grandchildren: Andrea, Justin (Michelle), Shannon (Corey), Matthew (Margot), Katie (Sam), Michelle (Patrick), Lucas, Donny (Megan), Danny (Miranda), Valarie (Lilly), Tiffany (Casey), Morgan (Austin), Zachary, Jennifer (Zack) and Dominic. Her great grandchildren: Dominic, Alyssa, Isaiah, Jordan, Peyton, Carson, Kenzie, Nolan, Lauren, Lilah, Liam, Madeline, Julian, Louie, Owen, Lucy, James, Elliot, and Letty. Mary is also survived by her sister, Frances Thiessenhusen and brothers-in-law, Thomas Schwabe and Michael Kritter. She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Rose Lombardo, her husband Louis D. Schwabe, her in-laws Louis B. and Jessie Schwabe, her sisters Katherine Moldenhauer, Dorothy Drzewiecki, and Christine Kritter, and her son-in-law, Daniel Dougherty. Mary is also remembered fondly by many cherished friends and extended family.

Special thanks to Miranda and her team at Brighton hospice and the staff at Autumn Leaves for all of their wonderful care and support.

Visitation at Max A. Sass Funeral Home, Greenridge Chapel, on Thursday, February 8, 4 PM to 7 PM. Vigil service and words from the family at 7 PM. All will meet the following day, February 9, for Mass of Christian Burial at St. Matthias Catholic Church, 9306 W Beloit Rd. Milwaukee, at 11 AM. Entombment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.