On the holiest night of the year, Christmas Eve, Pearl Schummer passed into heaven to celebrate her favorite holiday with her husband, Paul, parents and many that passed before her. That was not before spending the afternoon celebrating the holiday enjoying her great-grandchildren.
Pearl was born in Sandpoint, Idaho to John and Mary Vandersloot, March 28, 1939. She spent her childhood growing up on various ranches throughout Eastern Montana.
While attending high school in Hardin, Pearl lived with and cared for her maternal grandmother, Anna Luther. After graduating from high school she attended Carroll College, where she met lifelong friends, including Jeanne Lowney, Joan Duncan and Billie Jean Hill. While studying French, she lived in France with a sponsor family, with whom she remained in touch with throughout her life. Pearl graduated with a degree in education. She taught both English and French, but primarily French. Later in life, she connected with others that spoke the language who gathered regularly to visit in French.
After graduating from Carroll, Pearl taught in Billings, which is where she met a handsome young man, Paul Schummer, Jr. The two were joined in marriage June 25, 1966. She was welcomed into the Schummer family with open arms, by Paul’s parents, Paul Sr. and Cecelia Schummer. Pearl referred to them as Dad and Mom. Daughter Theresa Ann was born to the couple in 1967. They moved to Helena for Paul’s work at the Union Bank and Trust Company in 1970. Son Mark Nicholas was a wonderful addition to the family in 1975.
Paul and Pearl were a living example of love and devotion throughout their 44 years of marriage. Family and faith were priorities in their lives. Many friends were considered extended family, including the O’Leary’s, Beaton’s and Flynn’s. Many a holiday or any random evening was spent together. Birthdays and holidays were always an event. Pearl ensured every birthday celebration made the honoree feel special. Holidays included decorating the family home and an immaculate table setting, not to mention the extraordinary home cooked food. Pearl was an amazing cook and baker. Paul would hide his own personal stash of her cookies because they would disappear so fast. Pearl had a sweet tooth herself. If there were not baked goods around, there was a candy cupboard or drawer, of which the location was always well-known to her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Dessert was a staple of every meal. Pearl was very crafty (in many ways); her house was decorated with her artwork of needle point, crewel and rugs.
Pearl was always dressed very classy and ensured her hair was perfectly styled, whether she was going to work, church, the grocery store or a doctor appointment.
Paul and Pearl were very involved in St. Mary’s Parish in various roles. Both were Eucharistic Ministers and delivered communion to the home bound (along with home baked goods). Pearl was a religious educator for grade school children. She was ministered to by this wonderful church community throughout her long-term illness.
Pearl was extremely resolute in her faith. Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease for many years, she never wavered in her faith and was an example to all around her. Family, friends and caregivers were all in awe of the burdens she carried, yet kept her faith, stayed positive, and still used her abilities to help others learn new activities such as learn how to cook and bake, and provided an ear and guidance.
Being an educator, Pearl had an enormous heart for children. She taught French in the Helena School District at both middle schools over the years; teaching part-time so she could be home when her children arrived home from school, and have a hot home cooked meal on the table for the family. Her home was always open to her children’s friends. After retiring Pearl volunteered in grade school classrooms, helping grade school age children read. Her grandchildren have fond memories of her reading to them, and have favorite books as a result. She read to her great –grandsons and they both enjoy books.
Pearl was a child at heart herself. Anyone who visited her home knows that she loved toys. She had a basket full of toys available for any child who visited. However, she had her own toys as well. Many a talking, walking, jumping, singing toy was on display in her house or brought out when anyone visited. Her collection of cackling witches adorned the home at Halloween and singing Santas at Christmas.
Her cherished husband, Paul, parents, parents in-law and brother-in-law Joe Duffy greeted Pearl in heaven. She is survived by many who were impacted by her and will miss her, including her children, Theresa (Byron) Stahly and Mark (Tonya/Teak) Schummer all of Helena; sisters Betty Kuehn of Billings and Maxine (Don) Dell of Bridger; sister-in-law Cathy Ann Duffy of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Brianna Stahly (Aaron McIninch) of Gallatin Gateway, Rylan (Carissa) Stahly and Grayson Kalfell of Helena; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Jay, Drianna and a great granddaughter due in the spring of 2019 (who will be named Ava Pearl) and multiple nieces and nephews. Pearl is also survived by a group of very special friends who not only provided care, but also constant companionship during her illness, including Lucille O’Leary, Cathy Gerl and Sandy Smith who styled her hair for her once per week. There are too many others to list, but you know who you are. We are thankful for all of the caregivers at North West Home Care who provided loving care to Mom over the past 8 years.
We find peace in knowing Mom is free of her earthy vessel and is no longer suffering. She fought the good fight to the end; ran the race to the finish; and kept the faith.
Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 3rd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A vigil will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 3rd at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 4th at Saint Mary Catholic Community. Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery. A funeral reception will follow the committal service in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home.
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday January 3, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Thursday January 3, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
1:30 p.m.
Friday January 4, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Committal Service
Friday January 4, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday January 3, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Thursday January 3, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
1:30 p.m.
Friday January 4, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Committal Service
Friday January 4, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Lorry and Marc Parriman says
Theresa, Byron, Mark, Teak and family; we offer our condolences on the passing of Pearl. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Deb Eisenmann says
I’m so sorry to read of your loss. I don’t believe we’ve met but I would like to offer my condolences and also a bit of encouragement. Ever since I learned from the Bible that I will see and hold my deceased loved ones again, the losses have been so much more bearable. If you have a moment, these verses may be a help to you too. Revelation chapter 21, verses 3 & 4.
Jim McGrane says
I had the pleasure of teaching with Pearl. What a wonderful and classy lady.
Leslie and Jim Darfler says
Theresa, Byron and family, we are so sorry to read about the loss of your mother and grandmother. Her obituary is a testament to what a wonderful mother and person she was. May your many memories of her give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Clint Smith says
Theresa, Byron and Family, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lance Zanto says
Theresa and Mark, so sorry for your loss. Pearl will be dearly missed by many including me. She was a great influence in my life. You and your families are in our prayers. God speed Pearl, rest in peace my dear friend.
Julie DeMars says
Theresa, Mark and families,
I am so sorry to hear of your moms passing. She was a wonderful lady who will be missed by many.
I’m keeping you all in my prayers for peace.
Stacey Mulholland says
Theresa, Mark and families… what a beautifully written obituary.
I’m so lucky to have known her for the better part of 35 years… and maybe even gave her a couple of gray hairs.
She was definitely a lady of style, grace and faith. I will always remember her smile and wit!
Repose en paix, mon ami!
Sharon Skagen says
Mark, Theresa…so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed the few months I spent providing home health care for such a nice lady.
Judy Griffith says
I am so sorry for your loss. Pearl was a truly gracious, kind, generous, and loving human being. Her picture reflects the warmth, good nature and ever ready smile she extended to everyone. I hope your memories bring you peace and comfort.
Mike and Anita Varone says
Pearl and Paul were wonderful neighbors of ours on Tamarack St. Mike’s mother was raised in a French speaking home and, when she would visit, we would get together with Pearl so they could enjoy conversing in French. We have many memories with Pearl and Paul. Mike and Paul worked together so we had several connections with them and their children. We are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your family.
Kay Hoy says
Offering my thoughts and prayers to your whole family during this difficult time. Pearl was a fantastic lady.
Former student says
Mrs. Schummer was my French teacher in middle school. I will always remember her big heart for students and her love of all things French. She was enthusiastic and it made us want to learn. She was a real treasure.
Deb Redmond says
Theresa, Byron, and family, we are so sorry for the loss of your mom. Keep the memories close to your heart. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol Buerman says
Thank you Pearl for a life well lived and for sharing yourself with others. Reading her life story recalled so many memorable times spent with the Schummers. I am lucky to have known such a beautiful, gentle woman and friend. And to all her family, I share in your loss and pray your grief will be short lived as you recall many happy and joyful stories.
Sincerely, Carol Buerman
Charlotte Branham says
Theresa, Mark and family.
I am sorry for your loss, you are in my prayers.
Pearl was a great example and a blessing to many. I only knew her the last 10 years, but she had amazing drive and loved to help others. I remember her teaching some of her caregivers to cook. 🙂 She was a very compassionate and loving person. She was always willing to work toward improving her speech and maintaining it. As people age they can get tired of working on things, but she never did.
She was an amazing lady!
Marj Nelson says
Pearl lived next door to my aunt and uncle, Doris & George “Mac” McMurray. They really were fond of Pearl and Mac liked to send her flowers. In return, Pearl always remembered to give them mementos of their miniature schnauzer. I only met Pearl a few times, but I know she was a very special person.