Dec. 12, 1917 - May 25, 2010MISHAWAKA - Helen G. Schumacher, 92, of Mishawaka, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2010, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. Helen was born December 12, 1917 to the late Edward Jacob and Edith Carolyn (Stone) Schroeder. On October 9, 1940 she married Paul F. Schumacher and he preceded her in death in 1957. Helen was also preceded in death by a son, Paul E. Schumacher in 1999; and a sister, Mary Schroeder in 2002. Helen is survived by a daughter, Margaret (Jim) Sherwood of Plymouth; three sons, James (Kathy) Schumacher of Mishawaka, Timothy Schumacher of Lambertville, Michigan and Philip (Kandy) Schumacher of Cassopolis, Michigan and Ginny Schumacher (Paul's wife) of Mishawaka; nine grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. A lifetime member of St. Monica Catholic Church, Helen was fond of saying that she had been "hatched, matched and dispatched." By this she meant she had been baptized, married and buried from St. Monica's. Helen was a homemaker and a volunteer. She helped with her children's activities and volunteered for many years in the St. Joseph Hospital gift shop. For thirty one years, she delivered Meals on Wheels, being one of the charter volunteers when it started from St. Joseph Hospital in Mishawaka. For over fifteen years, Helen made a quilt and donated it to WNIT for their Auction. These quilts were appliqué, pieced and each hand quilted by her and each year was a different pattern. Helen also belonged to St. Monica's Rosary Society. Family gatherings were made extra special by her homemade chicken and noodles and this dish along with angel food cake were Helen's signature dishes. Of course she enjoyed sewing and making quilts. They were all hand quilted and given to family members. Just as her father had shared his love of the outdoors with his daughters, Helen also took her boys fishing and mushroom hunting in the Spring. She loved to vacation in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and fish at Thousand Island Lake. Even yard work gave her a chance to enjoy this love of the outdoors. At Allie's Restaurant, Helen was one of the four "Toast Ladies." These women met after attending Mass and had their toast and coffee each day. In August 2002, Lora Marie Wade wrote a tribute to these four women, Alberta DeVleigher, Catherine and Elizabeth Goeller and Helen Schumacher and called them "The Toast Ladies." Helen is especially remembered for her graciousness, generosity and deep love of her family. Friends may spend time with Helen's family Sunday from 3 - 6 pm in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 West 3rd, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:30 am in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, where visitation will be from 9:30 - 10:30 am. Rev. Jeffery Largent will celebrate the Mass. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Mishawaka. Contributions in Helen's memory may be given to St. Monica Church or to the charity of one's choice. Assistance with memorials is available through the funeral home.