Mary Wickart

Mary Schmidt-Wickart,94, Crystal Lake, Illinois, passed away on Friday, September 28, 2012 at Fair Oaks Health Care Facility.

She was born on May 31, 1918 to Harry C. and Amelia (Moores) Cogell in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada.

Mary grew up in Mansfield, Massachusetts and was a graduate of Mansfield High School. In 1950, she married Charles R. Schmidt and moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she worked as a bookkeeper for Coakley Brothers Allied Van Lines. In 1967, the family relocated to Crystal Lake, where she became active at Saint Paul's United Church of Christ. For many years she taught Sunday School, chaired the rummage sale, Grandma's Cellar and enjoyed the activities and friendships in the Mary Circle and Martha Society. She was also a member of the Rebecca's Lodge.

She worked in Crystal Lake as a bookkeeper for Artype, Vinci's Paint Store/Lloyd's Paint and Paper, Bob's Arco, and McHenry County Office Machines.

After loosing her husband Charles to cancer in 1976, she married William E. Wickart in 1981. They enjoyed many winters in Florida on Pine Island. She loved visiting and meeting people as well as the many activities offered daily at the park. During her time there, she also started Pine Island's Red Hat Society. Bill preceded her in death in 1990.

Later in life, she moved into the Villager in Crystal Lake, and then spent her final years residing at Fair Oaks. Mary thoroughly enjoyed her time there.She participated in almost every activity available, from bingo, arts and crafts, resident council, and outings. Mary enjoyed them all. She made many friendships among the residents and staff and was truly blessed with such wonderful people in her life.

Mary is survived by her three children, Charleen (David) Kazimier of Genoa City, Wisconsin, Lon (Cathy) Schmidt and Nancy (Jeff) Lutz of Crystal Lake. She also has many grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her children have fond memories of their mother sewing, her love for cooking, baking and family gatherings with great food and lots of music. Most of all she enjoyed her family and friends at Saint Paul's.

A Memorial service to celebrate Mary's life will be held at 11:00 a.m on Saturday, November 3 at Saint Paul's United Church of Christ, 485 Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mary C. Wickart to Saint Paul's U.C.C.