Mary R. Schanock, 88, Green Bay, WI, surrounded by her children and grandchildren passed away peacefully in her home on October 25, 2015.

Born January 30, 1927, in Beloit, WI, to the late Ralph and Harriette Ritter, Mary graduated from Kenosha High School and attended classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. Post schooling, she worked at The Great Lakes Naval Station where she served as secretary to the Commander.

Mary’s appreciation for music, art, firearms, antiques, fine craftsmanship, tennis and travel was developed through her early observations of her father and his friends. At the age of 12, her father challenged her to “copy the master’s” of painting. Mary’s initial attempt still hangs in her oldest son’s home. Her unique artistic flair was reflected in the décor of her homes and her interesting, often unusual accessories and collections.

Mary met her true love Romaine Schanock, at a men’s clothing store where he worked. Dressed in bobby socks and saddle shoes, cow bell in hand, Mary entered the store to buy jackets for her three brothers whom she cared for.

On New Year’s Eve in 1948, Mary eloped with Romaine in Lake Delavan, WI. They were later re-married at St. Patrick’s Church in Green Bay, WI on April 29, 1949.

Mary Schanock is survived by five of her six children, Dan Schanock, Debra (Steve) Daffinson, Donna Schanock Stout, David (Kim) Schanock all of Green Bay, WI and Darcy (Emmett) Cregan of Sturgeon Bay, WI; son-in-law John (Kris) Pavlik of Green Bay, WI; eleven grandchildren, Sam, David, Jenny, Nick, Tom, Jimmy, Michael, Annie, Carly, Mary and Evan; five great grandchildren, Ethan, Lucas, Lily, Evelyn and Isla; two brothers, Ralph and James Ritter.

Preceded in death by husband, Romaine Schanock; daughter, Diane Pavlik; great granddaughter, Autumn Daffinson; and brother, Peter Ritter.

A brief ceremony and entombment will be held at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum, 2121 Riverside Dr., Green Bay, WI, (Use Webster Street entrance) at 3pm on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015.

The family would like to extend special thanks to AseraCare Hospice, Home Instead, and especially to the private care given by Darcy, Gloria, Fairy, Shelli and Kayla. Your kindness, patience and compassion are greatly appreciated.

Remembrances can be mailed to: The Schanock Family, 635 Brevoort Lane, Green Bay, WI 54301. In lieu of flowers, please direct expressions of sympathy to The Salvation Army and The Joan Kroc Community Center in Green Bay or to the Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Wisconsin.