Mary Schneider Myerly, 91, left this world on January 22, the same way she lived her life -- with grace, laughter and an unwavering love for Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and her church. She lived a life of passion and purpose and had a gift of approaching each day with joy. Mom had major medical obstacles and beat the odds each time. She had been praying to join our late father, Richard, and after being diagnosed with liver cancer on a Thursday, God opened the heavenly gates and welcomed her the following Monday.

The only child of the late Mary and Theodore Schneider, she grew up on a farm in rural Fairfax, Minnesota, with no electricity or indoor plumbing. Her adventurous spirit was apparent early in life. In 1953, she applied for three different jobs: a stewardess for Northwest Airlines, a cafeteria worker at the Lodge in Yellowstone National Park, and to enter the convent to become a Sister in the Catholic Church. Thankfully, she landed in Yellowstone where she met her future husband!

Mom's uplifting spirit and positive approach was an inspiration to all she met. She believed in the difference that one person could make and enjoyed giving to and volunteering at numerous organizations including Brooke's House, The Hope Center, Reach Cold Weather Shelter, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

A life-long learner, Mom earned her first degree from Mankato University (Minn.) and started her career as a teacher. A second Bachelor's degree was earned at the age of 46 from Mount St. Mary's University (Md.). A Master's degree followed from the College of Psychology and Holistic Studies at John F. Kennedy University (Calif.). It was a life-changing experience that led her to the realization of life after death and God's healing powers.

She and Dad founded Myerly Studios in Hagerstown in 1960 and in 1977 welcomed partner, Kim Lowe Lee, who now leads the business as Myerly and Lowe Photography. She remains an integral part of the studio and the Myerly family.

Mom's legacy lives on in her family and friends:

Her children, Vincent Myerly (Joanne) and Charity Perkins; her grandchildren, Emily Palmer (Nick), Evalyn Teresi (Joe), and Will Perkins; her great-grandchildren, Gracie Palmer, Lincoln Palmer, and Theodore Teresi; and her Goddaughter, Mary Jo Sommerville and family.

Mom has been blessed with great care and companionship for many years. Kathy Valentine, a long-time friend of the family, has been her caretaker and has given Mom purpose, which extended her life by years. Pat Jacobs, Mom's first caretaker, was a Godsend, and by her side before COVID-19 struck. Mary Jo Sommerville, mom's Goddaughter, has walked along side of her in faith and friendship.

Her strong spirit, generous heart, caring soul, sense of humor, love for life, and big smile will be greatly missed. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 4 at 3 p.m. at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church in Hagerstown, Md. A celebration of life will follow, with arrangements to be determined at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Minnich Funeral Home in Hagerstown, Md. Online condolences will be accepted at www.minnichfh.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Richard and Mary Myerly Scholarship Fund held at the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD at 37 S. Potomac St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 or online at www.cfwcmd.org.