Thursday, October 1, 2026
Mary passed peacefully in her home of 58 years, surrounded by her children and close family. We can only imagine how joyful Mary’s first sight of Jesus was! Mary leaves a legacy of blessing and impact that will ripple through generations-transforming the countless lives she has touched along the way.
Mary was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, to John W. and Loretta Miller. She moved from South Dakota while in junior high to Auburn, Washington, and graduated from Auburn High School in 1950. Mary then went to Seattle University (SU), and while there she joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC’s). During her time at SU, she met her future husband and love of her life — John Schade. They were married on June 25, 1952. Mary became a homemaker and from 1976-1996 she simultaneously worked as the office manager for John W. Schade Contracting while continuing to raise their family until retiring in 1996. Mary was an active member for St. Michael’s Alter Guild, and for the Olympia Zonta Club. She held several leadership positions during her tenure and helped with many community services and fundraising projects.
Mary loved to travel. She traveled to Europe on a pilgrimage through St. Michael’s Church, led by Father Jim (from St. Michael). She loved the history and beauty of the Catholic Church, and this trip was an opportunity to see history in France, Italy and Germany, culminating with mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. She loved to travel and see churches all over the United States, as well as trips to Disney Land, Hawaii, Florida and California. She had many adventures with her husband and children and enjoyed the relationships that grew stronger and more loving as time passed. She enjoyed playing cards with John and continued to play pinochle with her family for years.
There are many highlights to Mary’s life, and one in particular is her love for Christmas. She would host Santa Claus at her home, inviting all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and family and friends to share a special time together. She hosted special occasions, holidays and family reunions and her home was the hub of ongoing activity.
Mary loved gardening, flowers and a beautiful lawn. With the help of her sons, she turned her home into a park-welcoming all who entered her doorway. Her genuine spirit and love for others was seen in her daily actions-acting with integrity and faith-reflecting the gospel in her every action. Mary possessed a warm-hearted and compassionate presence, and she is cherished for her gentle nature, thoughtful actions and unique ability to make you feel completely understood. Her absence leaves a noticeable void for all who knew her.
John W. Schade said to Mary many times “you have raised 13 individual-only children.” We feel known, seen and loved by our mother and we are blessed with her unconditional acceptance, love and her never-ending influence in our lives.
Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 43 years — John W. Schade; Xavier Michael Schade (son); Parents-John W. and Loretta A. Miller; John W. Darin-Miller (brother); Johnny Miller Jr.(nephew) and Monique Marie Schade (granddaughter) and two sons-in-law: Rodger Hickel and Phillip Agnew.
Psalm 127:5 - "Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them”
Mary is survived by her brother Michael (Becky) Miller, Casey Miller (nephew); 12 children: Catherine (Chuck) Fankhauser, Max Schade, Suzanne (Dale) Ritter, Rex (Irene) Schade, Rozanne Schade, Gregg (Janet) Schade; Seth (Lynn) Schade, Maria Agnew, Theresa Wolfe, Adam Schade; Loretta (Don) Duncan, and Zachary (Janell) Schade.
Mary has many grandchildren-Kurt Fankhauser, Kori & Matt Wilson, Megan & Adam Argo, Max Jr. & Deondra Schade, Rachel & Josh McAllister, Katie & Craig Schrupp, Micheala & Jake Broker, Christine Schade, Angela & PJ Estrada, Rex Jr. & Yumi Schade, Catherine Schade, Julie Murray, Christine Gulseth, Zoey Schade, Seth Schade Jr., Nicholas Duncan, Madison Duncan, Jonathan Schade, and Emily Schade. She has 28 great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Close and endeared family includes Mariann Borven, Glen (Jane) Davis, Janie Kite, and Karen Sullivan.
The family wants to thank Multi Care Home & Hospice for their excellent and attentive care. Thank you to St. Michael’s Eucharistic Minister, Mr. Denny Dubois, for bringing communion to Mary for the past two months.
Funeral Service will be on Monday, April 20 at noon at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1204 11th Ave. SE, Olympia, Washington. A reception will follow, and a graveside service will be at 2:30 pm
In lieu of flowers-donations can be made in the name of Mary C. Schade to the “Shoulder to Shoulder” charity through St. Michael’s Church, Olympia, Washington.
