Obituary
Mabel Schneider, most recently of North Fort Myers, FL, but longtime resident of Barrett Township, PA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 4, 2017. She was born on January 18, 1915 (that made her 102 for the folks who don’t want to do math) to Spencer Everett Smith and Lillie Virginia Dodson Smith. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 61 years, Martin Schneider, two infant children Carol Elaine Schneider and Carl Andrew Schneider, and her siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Marta (Wayne) Daltry, two grandchildren Wyatt Daltry and Tara (Shilo Johnson) Daltry-Johnson, her nieces and their families Patty (Ken) Smeltzer, Charlotte (Charlie) McCann, Peggy Price and Maryann (Clark) Kenyon, two step-great-grandchildren, her friends, and a host of grand and great-grandpets. Mabel was a child of the depression era and could recount memories that most of us only read about in story books. She worked tirelessly next to her husband in his numerous ventures, whether developing Crescent Lake Property, working in their gem and mineral business, or running their antique store, which she did until her big move to Florida at the tender age of 95. She created art out of what we would normally discard, like cigar boxes and wallpaper samples. Mabel also wrote various articles for antique magazines, self-published a history of the Crescent Lake area, and completed a memoir of her childhood, “Years of Yesterdays.” She remained sharp as a tack throughout her long life and had a quick wit. Mabel was stubborn as a mule but that helped her persevere through life’s hardships, such as losing two children at childbirth, the death of her husband, and multiple physical ailments that occurred late in her life. .Her favorite color was purple and she made an effort to look good while wearing it. She didn’t always like to cook but she had her specialties (Chicken Divan, salmon cakes) and made a mean grilled cheese in her cast-iron skillet. She attributed her longevity to “half a sandwich and a Twinkie. “.Mabel also loved the smell of flowers, especially lilacs, roses and gardenias, and she will forever be associated with those scents in our minds. She loved her daughter fiercely and taught her to love nature and antiques. She doted on her grandchildren, making her grandson his favorite ginger-molasses cookies at Christmastime, throwing extravagant tea parties for her granddaughter and neighborhood kids in Bradenton, and just being the best grandma around. She was so much more than what can fit into this small space and will be missed dearly. On November 4, 2017, at 2 pm., there will be a celebration of Mabel’s life at the home of Marta and Wayne Daltry. In lieu of flowers, don something purple, visit your local nursing home, and bring some cheer to those who can’t get out and about. For those of you with a grandma, call her. She loves you. Family and friends may sign the guest register by visiting www.baldwincremation.com.
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