Marlene Faye Schumacher, a truly gentle soul with a warm heart and a kindness that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on September 23, 2026, at her home in Plainfield, Illinois. She was 92 years old.

Marlene was born on March 20, 1934, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Bill and Winnie Grossman. She grew up in Orange Grove, Texas where she met Orval Woodford “Woody” Schumacher. They were married and shared 23 years together, building a life and a home in Mathis, Texas, where they raised their four children.

Marlene’s greatest joy was always her family. She treasured time together, whether it was a special occasion, an unexpected visit, or simply sitting together and enjoying one another’s company. To Marlene, every visit was a gift. She had a way of making the people she loved feel as though there was nowhere else she would rather be.

Those who knew Marlene will remember her most for her extraordinary kindness. She was soft-spoken, gentle, and patient, and she never seemed to have a harsh word for anyone. She never raised her voice and never spoke unkindly about others. In fact, it was common for people to describe her simply as “the nicest lady.” And they were right.

Marlene had a rare ability to see the good in people. She trusted others because she genuinely believed in their goodness and honesty. Her smile was sincere, her words were thoughtful, and she welcomed people into her life with an openness that made even strangers feel like old friends.That gift followed her wherever she went.

Retirement landed Marlene in San Marcos, Texas, an area she absolutely loved. Eventually in 2014, she moved to Brookdale Senior Living where she thrived on the social interactions the facility offered and before long, she became a familiar and beloved face there. Her natural warmth and ability to make people feel comfortable led her to a cherished position as an “Ambassador” for Brookdale. She welcomed residents, showed them around the community, explained the daily routines and activities, and answered their questions about senior living. It was a role perfectly suited to Marlene. She did not simply show people a building—she made them feel welcome.

In 2024, after twenty years in San Marcos, Marlene moved to the Chicago area, where she spent the final years navigating life in the Midwest and sharing stories of her South Texas upbringing. Marlene truly knew how to enjoy life. She was curious about the world and always ready for a little adventure. She loved taking long walks in search of arrowheads, tending to her garden, traveling to new places, hunting, and fishing. She enjoyed scenic jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles on quieter days.

And then there was shopping. Marlene could spend hours wandering through stores, happily looking at everything without necessarily buying a thing. It was just another way she enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.

These little things are the memories her family will hold close—the stories that will bring smiles through the tears. The walks. The puzzles. The gardens. The fishing trips. The travels. The long afternoons browsing through stores. The conversations. The smiles. And, most of all, the feeling of simply being loved by Marlene.

Marlene’s life was not defined by loud words or grand gestures. It was defined by the quiet, beautiful things that matter most: kindness, family, compassion, curiosity, and love. She was the person who made others feel welcome. The person who believed the best in people. The person who could make a stranger feel like an old friend. The person whose gentle nature made the world feel a little softer. Her family will miss her smile, her voice, her stories, her gentle presence, and all the little things that made her uniquely Marlene. But most of all, they will miss simply having her here.

Marlene gave love freely, lived life with a curious heart, and left kindness everywhere she went. Her 92 years were filled with people who loved her, and she leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. And for everyone who was lucky enough to know her, she will always be the nicest lady.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Winnie Grossman; her baby sister, Sharen Grossman; her beloved husband, Orval Woodford “Woody” Schumacher; her daughter, Wanda Henrichson; her son-in-law, Dyree Henrichson; and her son-in-law, Michael McCowen.

She leaves behind her sister, Karen Grossman of Loraine, Texas; her son, Kenneth Schumacher of Angleton, Texas; her daughter, Wendy McCown of Gatesville, Texas; her son, Kevin Schumacher of Plainfield, Illinois; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Schumacher of Plainfield, Illinois; and her beloved cat, Gracie. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought their own special place in her heart. Her family was her greatest treasure, and the love she gave them will continue through every generation that follows.

A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held at Winstead’s Funeral Home in Mathis, Texas,121 North Duval Street, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

For those who wish to express their condolences, you are welcome to send flowers or sympathy gift directly to the family using the button provided below. Additionally, you may share your heartfelt condolences with the family below by adding an entry on the online guest book below.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. 361-547-3224