Mary Deane Schulz

Mary Deane Ormand Schulz was born in Robstown, Texas on September 3, 1934.  She was the firstborn child of Jackson E.  Ormand, Sr. and Geraldine Grover Ormand.  After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, she passed into eternity September 15, 2014.

Mom spent her early years in Seguin, TX, ultimately moving with her family to George West, where she graduated high school in 1951.

After attending secretarial college in San Antonio, Mom met John T. Schulz, Jr., the handsomest man she’d ever seen, at a picnic at the Hailey Ranch in Live Oak County.  They were married October 10, 1953, and embarked on a journey that would last for more than sixty years, until Dad’s death in April.  Right after they married, they moved to Southern California where Dad finished his last year in the Navy.  In January of 1955, they settled in Austin where Mom was Assistant to the Secretary of State while Dad finished his geology degree at UT.  Eventually, they moved to Corpus Christi, then settled in Portland, TX in June of 1966.

Mom loved her family so very much, rearing five children with Dad.  She was steady in temperament, patient, kind and creative.  She was Dad’s anchor, and they both taught us how to live lives of love and integrity as children of God.  Mom was a faithful Catholic, passing on to us the legacy of a deep love of and commitment to the Lord.  Her faith informed and guided her entire life.

As a little girl, Mom demonstrated an ear for music and began piano lessons.  Piano and all music would remain one of her great loves all of her life and she shared that love in many ways.  Practicing piano even with her little children under her feet playing with the pedals, and later with her grandchildren dancing around her, Mom found such joy in making music.  She later added the guitar to her repertoire. 

Aside from roles as church pianist, organist and choir member, Mom embraced that of Cub Scout Leader, Camp Fire Girl leader, Room Mother and women’s ministry leader, among others; but she was most of all a faithful wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister and friend, and a heck of a good cook!

Mom was a jewel, our beautiful mother.  In her last years, in spite of relentless disease, Mom was as joyful as ever, and all who met her commented on her beautiful smile.  It was the smile of a soul so given to the Lord that she embraced with great trust whatever He allowed in her life.  She has been a heroine to all of us.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children:  John Thomas Schulz, III (Edmund Sullivan) of Staten Island, New York, Jeffrey Edward Schulz of Seymour, Indiana, Sharon (Steve) Ellis, Robert (Kathy) Schulz and Paul (Terri) Schulz of Austin, TX; her grandchildren:  Sarah (Luke) Jechow, John (Allison) Ellis, Sydney Schulz, Mary Claire Ellis, David Anthony Schulz, Caroline Sullivan, Caroline Ellis, Madison Schulz, Matthew Schulz, Megan Schulz, Jenna Schulz, Cole Schulz, Natalie Schulz; her beloved sister, Kathryn (Bill) Toudouze; and beloved brother, Jackson E. (Diana) Ormand, Jr.; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 18, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., with Rosary at 7:30, Limbaugh Funeral Home, Portland, TX. 

Funeral Mass will be Friday, September 19, 11:00 a.m., Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Portland.

Interment  to follow at Seaside Memorial Park, Corpus Christi.

The family expresses deep gratitude to Mom’s and Dad’s amazing caregivers:  Loretta Willis, Ester Oropeza, Stephanie Ramirez, Ariana Cavada, Diane Martinez, Leslie Perez, and the staff of The Mirador.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Corpus Christi Hope House or Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi.