Obituary: Mary A. (Schumann) DeCofano

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Mary A. (Schumann) DeCofano, age 78, succumbed to Alzheimers on Saturday, May 25, 2002, at Oak Park Nursing Home. She was born on Nov. 10, 1923, the daughter of Victor and Marion (Parrino) Schiro. Mary was born in Madison after her parents immigrated from Sicily to this country and settled in the Greenbush neighborhood. She graduated from Madison Central High School. On April 24, 1948, she married John R. Schumann, who preceded her in death on Sept. 14, 1992. On Feb. 14, 1994, she married Ross DeCofano. Marys life was devoted to her family. Her interests were her children, gardening, sewing, music and dancing. Mary is survived by her husband, Ross; eight children, Virginia "Ginny" (Vern) Everson, Jane (Don) Qualle, Mary (David) Marfilius, Paula Schumann, Kathryn "Kay" (Daniel) Watson, and Robert N., John (Ava), and Richard (Anne) Schumann; seven grandchildren, Lorna and Jennifer Everson, Christopher and Katie Qualle, Joseph and Julia Watson, and Melissa Schumann; a sister, Concetta Mandala; a brother, Joseph Schiro; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; and brothers, George and John Schiro. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2002, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, with Father Dan Volkert officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass on Thursday. Memorials may be made to South Madison Coalition of the Elderly. A very special thank you to the staff of Oak Park, especially the Autumn Lane unit. Mary was truly an angel on earth. Earths loss is Heaven's gain. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434


Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 26, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)