Mary Jo Schnabel

Mary Jo (Corona) Schnabel passed peacefully into Heaven surrounded by her loving family on Friday, March 11 and was welcomed at the gate by St. Peter, along with her devoted husband Sam, who departed this world seven years ago and whom she sorely missed.



Born in Bucyrus on October 20, 1931, Mary Jo was the beloved daughter of the late Josephine (Vitterose) and Anthony P. Corona. She attended Holy Trinity grade school and was a graduate of Bucyrus High School’s Class of 1949 where she had proudly been the head majorette.



A stay at home mother, she returned to work in 1965 and was secretary at Norton and Kearsley elementary schools. Born a true nurturer, she both loved and was loved by students, faculty and staff alike.



For many years Mary Jo utilized her vivacious and charming personality in the real estate industry and had been an agent/broker with Jan Knisley Realty. She was a former member of the Bucyrus Board of Realtors.



Other past memberships include: Wee Wonders CCL Mothers’ Club (past president); Bucyrus School Employees Association and the American Red Cross. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, a member of the church’s Rosary Altar Society as well as having served as a Eucharistic minister.



Mary Jo was known for both her inner and outer beauty, her amazing sense of fashion and her love of the color pink. A loyal Republican and true blue American, she leaves one last regret: that she will not be casting her vote for Governor John Kasich in the upcoming election.



Mary Jo had an immense capacity to love deeply and truly appreciated her family and friends, as well as her Catholic faith and upbringing and her personal relationship with her Savior Jesus Christ.



Mary Jo married the handsome boy next door who fell immediately in love with the “raven haired beauty” upon his return to Bucyrus from the South Pacific at the end of World War II. They were married in Holy Trinity on October 24, 1949 and were blessed to share 59 devoted and loving years together.



Left to cherish her memory are: daughter and son-in-law, Jude and Dr. David Foulk, Marion; daughter Tina Thomas, Bucyrus; precious grandchildren: Stephanie (Matthew) Hemmerick, Cincinnati; David Foulk, Columbus; Claudia (Drew) Mosley, Delaware and Morgan (Emily) Thomas, Bucyrus and her very special step-grandchildren: Barbara (Dr. Richard) Patterson, Minnesota; Dr. Beth (Bruce Glaser) Thomas, New York; Sam (Crystal) and Michael (Andrea) Thomas, Bucyrus. She will be missed by her great grandchildren: Madeline and Simon Hemmerick, Cincinnati, whom she adored, as well as her dedicated and supportive siblings: Frank and Toni corona, Bucyrus; Tim (April) Corona, Gahanna and sister-in-law Brenda Corona, Columbus, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins with whom she communicated often.



Mary Jo also leaves behind her ever faithful, longtime friends: Shirleyann Jeffries; Janet and Scott Painter, Joyce Wenzel and Kathy Kelleher.



In addition to her husband and parents, Mary Jo was predeceased by her youngest brother David Corona and her treasured son-in-law Dr. Sam Thomas.



Friends may call at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St. in Bucyrus on Tuesday, March 15 from 5 to 8 pm when the rosary will be recited at the conclusion of the evening. A Funeral Mass in celebration of her life will be said Wednesday, March 16 at 2 pm at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Mary Jo will be laid to rest beside the love of her life in Oakwood Cemetery, Holy Trinity section, immediately following the Mass.



The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the tender loving and compassionate care bestowed upon Mary Jo by Drs. Michael Hayes and Aaron Fritz along with the staff of angels in the ICU at Marion General Hospital.



Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, Smile Train or Holy Trinity Catholic Church in care of Wise Funeral Service. Memories and photos can be shared on her tribute wall.