Mary Schindel

Mary Eileen Dubus Schindel, 58, passed away at home Sunday December 27th after a 9 year battle with Leukemia. She is survived by her husband Paul and children, Connor, Rory, Neil and Bridget: her parents Michael & Catherine Dubus of Chester, VA, and siblings: Kathleen (Bob) Cravens of Ellsworth, ME, Michael (Marietta) Dubus of Atlanta, GA), Tim (Dr. Mary Fox) of Denver, CO, Maureen (Kevin) Stengel of Richmond, VA, and many nieces and nephews she loved so much. In 2006 Mary was diagnosed with leukemia, entered a clinical trial at MCV/VCU and received her first bone marrow transplant in December 2006. Mary made fast friends in the bone marrow program. She and her partner in crime ‘Chemo Carol' were well known for their incredible spirits and decorated rooms on MCV Bone Marrow Floor 9 - Carol's was Tiki Bar, while Mary's was Barbie. Long involved in the fashion world, this life event gave Mary the courage to open her own Boutique, Just the Thing, in Chester in September 2007. Behind the counter was this inscription "She took the leap and built her wings on the way down." The store moved to Chester Village and was renamed She Chester Boutique in fall of 2009 and continues to be a thriving part of the community. Her leukemia returned in late 2009 and the Chester community responded with over 400 people registering as bone marrow donors for Be the Match. Mary's brother Tim was a match and Mary received her 2nd transplant in May 2010. This transplant gave us another 5 years of Mary's wonderful spirit. Mary loved: God, her family, her community, the Chester Junior Women's Club, Chester Cotillion, stylish clothes, large jewelry, and campers (but not actually camping). Mary served her community because her parents raised her to give back to those less fortunate. Mary served in many leadership roles with the Chester Juniors, but her favorite was Chair of Chester Cotillion. Mary had a special bond with Mr. & Mrs. Billy Phillips as Mary was also a Cotillion member in her youth. She recognized the positive impact Cotillion had on Chester's young people and was determined to keep this opportunity available for all. In 2004 Mary was selected as the Easter Seals Ambassador representing all Lee District Junior Women's Clubs. Mary was also instrumental in starting The Chester Junior's Black Tie & Diamond Ball, and involvement with MCV Hospitality House/ The Doorways. Visitation will be Friday January 1st, 6pm-8:30pm at E Alvin Small Funeral Home, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Va. 23834 Mass will be Saturday January 2nd, 11am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 151 West Washington Street, Petersburg, Va. 23803. A reception will follow Mass. It was Mary's wish that in lieu of flowers donations please be made to VCU Massey Cancer Center www.support.vcu.edu or The National Marrow Donor Program, www.BeTheMatch.org

Visitation Details

Friday, January 1st, 2016 6:00pm - 8:30pm, Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small

Service Information

Saturday, January 2nd, 2016 11:00am, St. Joseph Catholic Church