Mary J. Miller Schmucker

Mary began her life-long residency in Elkhart County on June 4, 1936.  She was the daughter of John and Susie (Hershberger) Miller.  Her siblings included Melvin (Iva) Miller of Goshen, Alvin (Marcella) Miller of Elkhart and Polly Miller of Goshen; and a brother-in-law, Alvin (Missy) Hochstetler.  She was preceded in death by a sister Darlene Hochstetler.

On April 10, 1999, Mary Miller married Abraham Schmucker.  He died May 2, 2004.  Through his marriage she became the stepmother of two boys and three girls, all currently living in the great Goshen area.  Mary also valued the relationship with her nieces and nephews along with their children.  She appreciated her extended family’s visits and phone calls.

Mary’s career included hard work on her parents’ farm.  A family illness called on her to provide some extra roles as a mother figure.  She was employed for numerous years at Keens of Middlebury.  Later, she was employed by Goshen Hospital as a nurse’s aide.  That led her into the home health care field for various people in the Goshen community.  In retirement, she utilized her sewing skills to construct quilts, face masks and garments.  She crocheted hundreds of baby caps, donating them to the hospital maternity ward.

Mary was a member of Roselawn Conservative Mennonite Church, Middlebury.  When mobile, she attended various church sewing groups.  She also had great interest in piecing jigsaw puzzles, playing Rook and other games with friends at Greencroft of Goshen where she resided.

On March 8, Mary succumbed to death at Goshen Hospital.  Viewing will be Sunday, March 13, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Fair Haven Amish Mennonite Church, SR 4, Goshen, and on Monday from 9 until the 10 a.m. funeral service.  Pastor Thad Lechlitner of Roselawn Conservative Mennonite Church will officiate.

Burial will follow in Thomas Cemetery, Goshen.

Memorial donations may be given to Goshen Hospice and Home Care.