Obituary of Mary Angeline Schiedel (nee Hunsberger)

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Mary Hunsberger Schiedel passed away peacefully at Hospice Waterloo Region at the age of 88 with family by her side. She was born to Eldon and Mary Hunsberger on their dairy farm near Baden, Ontario. The family farm remained a special place she enjoyed visiting.

Dear mother of Andrew (Karen); grandma of Caleb, Nathan and Rudy; stepmom of Fred (Charlene), Phil (Annette) and John deceased (Dianna); grandma of Christine Chlouba (Milo), Allen (Brienna), Tyler, Marianne (Scott Nameth), Cassandra McLennan (David), Zach (Steph), Jodi (Gary Tang), Matt (Erin), Seth (Jen), Ben, and 20 great-grandchildren. Mary will also be fondly remembered by her youngest brother, Ken Hunsberger; sister-in-law, Catherine Hunsberger; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, George; stepson John; parents Eldon and Mary; and siblings Enos, Amy, Willis, Elsie, Floyd and Erma.

Mary began her first career of teaching at her home school, S.S.16 Wilmot. After graduating from Goshen College, she continued teaching at Moose Factory Island Junior High, Rockway Mennonite School in Kitchener, and a Girls’ Secondary School in Kenya.

After returning from Kenya, she married George Schiedel, a widower with three teenage sons. They lived in Hespeler and welcomed a fourth son, Andrew, while living there.

Mary went on to study at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, graduating with a Masters of Divinity in 1984. She then served as a pastor at Elmira Mennonite Church, followed by Hillcrest Mennonite Church. After retiring, she continued to offer her pastoral skills in various formal and informal ways.

Mary loved to travel, visiting over 20 countries in her lifetime. In retirement, she and George spent winters in Florida before moving to Parkwood Mennonite Home in Waterloo due to George’s health. Following his death, Mary moved uptown for six years, then returned to Parkwood while undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma.

Throughout Mary’s life, she was drawn to words – writing poetry and stories, compiling newsletters, and reading countless books. She also enjoyed music, especially hymns. Her interest in art led her to take painting classes and share her artwork through greeting cards.

Mary’s faith and family were of utmost importance throughout her life and she nurtured both regularly. Her travels often included taking family or friends with her and visiting family along the way. She was also a welcoming host and a very good cook. She will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives she touched.

Mary and family are grateful for the outstanding care she received at the WRHN Cancer Centre, Parkwood Mennonite Home and Hospice Waterloo Region.

Visitation will take place at Waterloo North Mennonite Church, 100 Benjamin Rd., Waterloo, on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral service to take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Carmen Brubacher officiating. Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Interment to take place at Wanner Cemetery, 1725 Beaverdale Rd., Cambridge, at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to Mennonite Central Committee or Parkwood Mennonite Home may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.