Obituary of Sister Schnelker

Schnelker, Sister Mary Ann Sister Mary Ann Schnelker, OSF (1937 - 2011) died at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, Joliet, Illinois on January 9, 2011. Born in Crestline, Ohio, she was one of six children born to Joseph and Mary (Johnston) Schnelker. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Margaret Laughbaum. She is survived by her sisters, Barbara J. (Edward C.) Schroeder and Norma Jean (Richard) Metz and her brother, Daniel J. Laurie) Schnelker and Richard T. (Cathy) Schnelker. Sister Mary Ann was a treasured member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate (Joliet) for 55 years. Before entering religious life, Sister Mary Ann was a member of St. Joseph Parish in Galion, OH. She attended St. Joseph and St. Patrick Schools in Galion. She graduated from St. Francis Academy (Joliet Catholic Academy) in Joliet, IL. Sister Mary Ann earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of St. Francis (University of St. Francis) Joliet, IL with a major in Music. She earned a Master's Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL. From 1957 until 1975 Sister Mary Ann taught in grades 4 - 8 and also served as the organist at St. Ann Parish, Lansing Illinois and St. Bernard Parish and St. Jude Parish in Joliet, IL. In 1975 she ministered as teacher and assistant principal of St. Peter Grade School in Mansfield, OH. During the years from 1987 until 2000 Sister Mary Ann ministered at Joliet Catholic Academy as Secretary, Registrar and Computer Supervisor. In 2000 she assumed the position of General Secretary for the Sisters of St. Francis. In 2007 she assumed the position of Office Manager for the Upper Room Crisis Hotline in Joliet. The wake for Sister Mary Ann will be at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, 1201 Wyoming Avenue, Joliet, IL, (Wyoming and Rt. 30) on Thursday, January 13, 2011, from 2:00 - 6:45 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 4:45 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Procession will leave from Our Lady of Angels on Friday morning, January 14, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. The Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, IL. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet, IL 60435. Arrangements: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500