Mary Ellen Schwaller

Mary Ellen (McHugh) Schwaller entered eternal life on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Mary Ellen was born on Feb 24th, 1932, in Appleton to Francis and Mary (Lupton) McHugh. She was very proud of her Irish heritage. She attended St. Mary Grade School in Appleton, St Mary High School in Menasha and Mount Mary College in Milwaukee.

Our mom had a deep faith that was nurtured by her parents and all the Catholic schools she attended. Her faith sustained her through the rough times, especially losing her husband of 57 years unexpectedly.

One of the most important influences in mom’s life was music. In first grade, the nuns arranged for her to receive piano lessons. She said it changed her life. She graduated from St. Mary High School as the top music student in band where she played bassoon and was a piano accompanist for solo-ensembles. Later in life she taught music at St. Nicholas in Freedom, was a private piano teacher and became the choir director of the St. Nicholas choir where she made lasting and wonderful friendships. It was a highlight of her life.

On June 8th, 1957 she married her soulmate and best friend, Jack Schwaller. Together they had five children, 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Mom and Dad shared many interests and joked that together they could change the world and in their own way they did. Motivated by their faith, they volunteered with many organizations and their church. They were particularly blessed to volunteer for many years at St. Joseph Food Pantry and with Cursillo, where they made many friends. In their retirement they were able to go on several trips including one to Ireland where she met her Irish relatives.

Mom’s life was shaped by growing up in poverty. Instead of focusing on what she didn’t have, she rejoiced in the relationships she had and the goodness of the people that supported her family. She carried that through in her life. She used the skills she learned, such as sewing and canning to provide for her family. She was a great cook, and no one made a beef roast as good as hers. When her children were raised and she and Dad found themselves with a little extra cash, they shared it. They truly gave of their time, talent and treasure.

She is survived by her children, Julie (Bill) Ryno, Paul (Annie) Schwaller, Chris Schwaller (friend Lisa Uecker), Mary Beth (Dave) Setzke and Becky Schwaller; her grandchildren, Sarah and Caleb Ryno, Hunter and Sydney Schwaller, Kelsey (Travis) Geiger, Lindsey (Ryan) Seiler, Joe and Abi Schwaller, and Christopher and Jonathan Setzke; plus 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved sisters-in-law, Delores McHugh, Sr. Marlene Schwaller, and Jonella Schwaller; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Also, special friends include Ruthann Smith, Don Newhouse, and Audrey McHugh. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her siblings, Cliff (Helen), Francis (Myra), Norbert, and Patricia; along with Jack’s brothers, sisters-in-law, and several nephews and a niece.

A funeral visitation will be held for Mary Ellen from 9-11 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 S State St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a mass to follow at 11 AM. She will be laid to rest with her husband at St. Mary Cemetery in Appleton. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Joe’s Food Pantry or St. Mary Parish, Appleton.

The family would like to thank The Heritage CBRF staff for their amazing care of our mom. You are angels on earth.

“Love without limits. Mercy without measure.” - Mary Ellen