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In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory

This page is dedicated to honoring the lives and legacies of those in our community who have passed on.  Each individual listed here has made a lasting impact through their contributions to St. Mary’s School for the Deaf, their kindness, friendships, and spirit.  While they may no longer be with us in body, their memory continues to shape who we are and how we live.  

We invite you to take a moment to remember, reflect and celebrate these cherished members of our community.  May their stories inspire us and may their memories be a blessing to all who knew them.

  • Sister Mary Lou Schnitzer, SSJ entered into eternal rest on April 12, 2022

    SMSD was saddened to hear of the passing of Sister Mary Lou Schnitzer.  Sister was an integral part of our community, always taking a Child First Approach, going above and beyond to support us.

    Sister Mary Lou served as the Vice-Chair on the Board of Trustees as well as Chair and a member of many different committees.  We will be forever grateful to Sister; she will be sorely missed.

  • Sister Virginia Young entered into eternal rest on June 18, 2024.

    Sister Virginia started her career in Deaf Education in 1950 at SMSD.  Sister was great, sweet, caring and Child First share a few things about her. Sister Virginia was a fierce advocate for SMSD. For those of you, who may not have known her, the YAH is named after her and her sister. 

  • Sister Beth Ann Finster, SSJ — a beloved friend, mentor, and lifelong supporter of St. Mary’s School for the Deaf.

    Sister Beth Ann entered eternal rest on July 1 at the age of 77. She was a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, and a beloved member of the Sisters of St. Joseph. To us, she was so much more — a dear friend, a passionate advocate for deaf education, and a faithful member of both our Board of Trustees and the Foundation for Deaf Education Board.

    Her legacy is woven into the fabric of our school — in every student she supported, every decision she helped shape, and every moment she showed up with grace, wisdom, and love.

    Sister Beth Ann’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched — especially here at SMSD and the Foundation of Deaf Education. We are grateful for her years of service, her deep compassion, and her enduring belief in the potential of every child.