Mary Magdalen Schmidt

Mary Magdalen Schmidt, 80, a resident of Alton, IL peacefully passed away in her sleep February 17, 2017 at her home in St. Clare's Villa. Born September 16, 1936 as Alice Louise Schmidt, Mary Magdalen was one of ten children to parents Aloysious Andrew, "Dick" and Anna Jane (Fischer) Schmidt.

In 1951, a fifteen-year-old Alice Louise joined the sisters of the Divine Providence where she took the name, Mary Magdalen. Her older sibling, Sister Agnes Schmidt was already in the Community and teaching. Mary Magdalen continued her high school education while under the guidance of the Sisters and continued her education at St. Louis University where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and obtained a Teacher's Certificate for Illinois.

Mary Magdalen taught in Chicago, IL with the Sisters until 1967 when her eye-sight became a hindrance to her service and, with permission, left the Order as she did not want to be a burden on her Community of Sisters, She remained in Chicago and started to work for Mid-America Engineering and later, FMC Engineering where she enjoyed interacting with co-workers and booking world-wide travel arrangements for engineers. Mary Magdalen continued to be a devout volunteer with Holy Name Cathedral and Hospice while working.

After retirement, she moved to St. Clare's Villa in Alton, IL to be with her sister and continued her volunteer work with Hospice.

Mary Magdalen is preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Arthur, Norbert, Sr. Agnes, Harold, Ruth, Margaret and James. Surviving family includes Fr. Ed Schmidt of St. Martin Parish in Jefferson City, MO and David Schmidt of West Des Moines, Iowa along with several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tipton, MO beginning with the Rosary at 9:00am on Friday, February 24.The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00am. Interment will be at St. Andrew Cemetery following Mass.

Online condolences can be left at www.meisenheimerfuneralhome.com