Mary Patricia Schmitz

Mary Patricia Schmitz, 72 passed away on December 28, 2018 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND following a brief illness with her family at her side.

Mary Pat was born April 4, 1946 in Williston, ND to Leone (Rock) and John P. Schmitz.  She was a delightful child but had difficulty meeting her developmental milestones and was diagnosed as moderately intellectually disabled.  Mary Pat attended St. Josephs Catholic School through 4th grade and then transitioned into the first special education classroom in the Williston Public school system which she attended through age 18.  In her younger years she loved riding her blue banana bike around Williston, stopping at the library daily to get another Nancy Drew book to read.  She also enjoyed making latch-hook rugs and paint by number pictures. At age 28 she moved to the ND State School at Grafton where she resided for 12 years.  She moved back to Williston where she resided in group homes run by The Opportunity Foundation until 2008 when she relocated back to Grafton and lived at the ND Life Skills & Transition Center.  Mary Pat enjoyed car rides, boat rides with mom & dad at Lake Sakakawea, and spending time with her family.  She smiled brightly whenever she saw her family or a trusted caregiver.  

Mary Pat is survived by her Dad, John  Schmitz of Williston, ND; brothers Steve (Peggy) of Bellevue, WA; David (Kathy) of Ogden, UT; Greg (Debbie), of Williston, ND; her sister Roxanne (John) Hurley of Grand Forks, ND and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Leone Schmitz.  The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff that have so lovingly provided care to Mary Pat throughout her life. 

A memorial mass will take place on Thursday, January 3 at 1:45pm at the Chapel at the ND Life Skills & Transition Center in Grafton, ND.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, January 8 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Williston,  ND.  In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial donations to ND Elks Camp Grassick or an organization supporting people with developmental disabilities.  A guestbook can be signed or viewed at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com