Margaret Rose Schmitt

Margaret Rose (Lembicz) Schmitt passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, at the age of 85, surrounded by her immediate family.

Born on May 11, 1941, at Deaconess Hospital in Buffalo, New York, to Edward Lembicz and Margaret "Margie" (Polakiewicz) Lembicz, Margaret lived a life marked by faith, creativity, resilience, and an unwavering devotion to her family. She embraced every chapter of her life with optimism, curiosity, and a willingness to learn something new.

She graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy in Buffalo before attending Rosary Hill College (now Daemen University). In 1963, she earned her New York State teaching certificate and began her career teaching Social Studies at Greece Arcadia High School in Rochester, New York where her first teaching contract paid $5,000 a year. Never one to stop learning, she later earned a Master of Education degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1968.

On July 18, 1964, Margaret married the love of her life, Cornelius "Neal" Joseph Schmitt, at St. Adalbert's Basilica in Buffalo. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, laughter, and serving others. Through nearly 62 years of marriage, they shared countless adventures, raised a loving family, and quietly demonstrated the strength of a lifelong partnership.

Throughout her life, Margaret embraced new opportunities with confidence and determination. After moving to Ohio in 1982, she transitioned to selling her handmade crafts - created in her home workshop filled with power tools that many woodworkers would envy - at local fairs as well as pursuing an insurance career. In the late 90s, Neal and Margaret moved to Las Vegas where she worked at Four Queens Hotel & Casino before officially retiring a few years later. Whether beginning a new career or taking on a new challenge, she met each experience with enthusiasm and a genuine love of connecting with people.

Faith was a guiding force throughout Margaret's life. During the years she and Neal lived in Richmond, Virginia (1972-1982), they were deeply involved in Marriage Encounter, helping to strengthen marriages and encouraging couples to build lasting, faith-filled relationships. Later, while living in Columbus, Ohio, they volunteered through The Ohio State University Newman Center, where they counseled engaged couples as they prepared for the sacrament of marriage. Together, they believed that strong marriages were built on love, communication, faith, and a lifelong commitment to one another.

Above all else, Margaret treasured being a wife, mother, grandmother, and, most recently, great-grandmother. Although miles often separated her from her children and grandchildren, distance never lessened her love. She enjoyed regular visits with them to create memories that will be cherished for generations. The arrival of her great-granddaughter, Saoirse, in 2023 brought her immeasurable joy and added a beautiful new chapter to her life.

Margaret also knew the importance of friendship and fun. She was a proud Vegas Vixen with the Red Hat Society, where laughter and companionship were always plentiful, and she gathered friends and neighbors to play poker for more than 16 years.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Cornelius "Neal" Schmitt; her children, Laura (Fred) Stehle, Neal (Tracy Moebius) Schmitt, and Kevin (Cynthia) Schmitt; her grandchildren, Kathryn (Alex Croley) Mullaney, Patrick Mullaney, Rowan Schmitt, Nicolaus Schmitt, and Holden Schmitt; her beloved great-granddaughter, Saoirse Croley; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Inurnment will take place privately at St. Mary's Cemetery in Swormville, New York, at the convenience of the family.

Margaret's legacy is one of creativity, perseverance, generosity, and unconditional love. She taught by example that it is never too late to learn a new skill, embrace a new opportunity, lend a helping hand, or make someone feel welcome. Her family will remember her for the beautiful things she created, the wisdom she generously shared, and the love she gave so freely. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched.