A Funeral Mass for Mary Ann Schmit, age 95, of O'Neill will be at 10:30 am Thursday, May 23, 2019 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill with burial in the O'Neill Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a Rosary at 7 pm.  Mary Ann passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at O'Neill Care and Rehabilitation Center in O'Neill.  Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.  Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Ann Janousek was born on January 16, 1924 in Greeley, Colorado to Lod and Josephine (Rathovic) Janousek.  The family moved to Omaha for a short time before settling in O'Neill.  She attended St. Mary's Academy and graduated as Salutatorian of her class in 1942.  Mary Ann worked for Shelhamer's as a bookkeeper for several years.

Mary Ann married Edward Schmit on June 14, 1948 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill, in a double ceremony with her sister, Martha and brother-in-law, Joe.  The couple lived in O'Neill, building their family home in 1949, at 418 N 2nd Street.  After Ed passed away from a battle with cancer in 1971, Mary Ann worked several places in town before she got a job in the Holt County Assessor's office.  She worked there for many years before retiring in the early 1990's.

After retiring, Mary Ann enjoyed traveling, taking several bus tours around the USA and an Alaskan Cruise.  Her faith was very important to her as she attended Mass daily, was a sacristan, and lead many rosaries.  She was also an avid card player, especially Bridge.  Mary Ann was known for her baking skills and was always treating her friends and neighbors with fresh baked goods.  She also enjoyed watching birds out her window and seeing a cardinal always made her day.  Her smile brought joy to many and will not be easily forgotten.

She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the Legion of Mary, O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93 Auxiliary, and the JANWA card club.

Mary Ann is survived by her four children, Mike (Lexie) Schmit of York, Ron (Eileen) Schmit of O'Neill, Regina (Joe) Kafka of Valley Springs, South Dakota, Don (Holly) Schmit of Aurora; grandchildren, Collin (Ashley) Schmit, Adrienne (Mike) Synovec, Travis (Molly) Schmit, Stephanie (Lee) Clark, Joe (Tia) Kafka, Stacy (Todd)Lavigne, Jenna (Tyler) Vettel, Kristen (Austin), Edwards; great grandchildren, Brecken, Oakley, Whitley, Chandler, Eden, Ava, Andrew, Alex, Gavin, Aiden, Avery, Cooper, Gracelyn; many nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ed in 1971; two siblings, Martha (Joe) Beckwith, and George (Gerry) Janousek.