Mary Schmitt
Belleville | Save
Mary Ann Schmitt, SFO, nee Kuczka, 85, of Belleville, IL, born June 14, 1940, in Beckemeyer, IL, died Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL.
Always greeting everyone with a welcoming smile on her face, she was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a devout Catholic and belonged to the Third Order of the Franciscans. Many a Friday was spent making rosaries for the ministry. She taught her rosary making skills to many first communicants through the years.
Mary Ann dedicated her life to the education of young students, retiring as a first-grade teacher after 35 years of service. After her retirement, she volunteered at St. Augustine of Canterbury School and later St. Mary-St. Augustine School by helping students improve reading skills, doing office work and filling in for teacher absences. Throughout her life, she guided and inspired many people making an everlasting impact.
She was preceded in death by her parents, August E. and Mary R., nee Koch, Kuczka; and three brothers, Gus Kuczka, Joe Kuczka, and Don Kuczka.
Surviving are loving husband of 53 years, Henry W. Schmitt, whom she married on December 11, 1971; her daughter, Angela Engle; three grandchildren, Kat Layton, nee Engle, Gabby Johnson, and Maggie Tillman; a brother, Michael (Linda) Kuczka; her sister, Dorothy Ann (Raymond) Merian; and many dear nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with a Secular Franciscan Ritual Prayer starting at 7 p.m. Friends may also visit from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.
Burial will be at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
Renner Funeral Home
