Mary Julia Kathryn (nee Lynch) Schodt

Mary Julia Kathryn (nee Lynch) Schodt, age 60, born in Erie, PA on July 2, 1963, to Judith (nee Maloney) Lynch and James Terrence (Terry) Lynch, died on February 26, 2024, in Chandler, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her father, grandparents, several uncles, and an aunt. She is survived by her husband, children, mother, sisters and many relatives.

Mary wed David Schodt on November 25, 1988, and lived in Arizona until her passing. Mary was blessed to give birth to two children, Timothy David Schodt and Melissa Grace Schodt. Mary was also blessed with a stepdaughter, Serena Schodt, whom she loved dearly. Mary was the greatest mother any child could have. She instilled a sense of passion for life, music, politics, social justice, and loving everyone, especially animals.

Mary held several positions in addition to raising her children. She originally followed her father in the medical field as a Pharmacy Tech in Erie, and Pharmacy Manager in Arizona. She then became the nurse and secretary at her children’s school, D.W. Higgins Institute, where she was the surrogate mother to countless others. Mary’s passion was always helping people and animals. Working at the Phoenix Zoo, especially during Zoolights, filled her with immeasurable happiness.

Mary graduated from McDowell High School in 1981, where she forged life-long friendships. Mary tried to return to Erie every summer, where she would reconnect and celebrate with her high school friends. It was something she always looked forward to. Mary was the quintessential ‘Erie Girl.” She loved driving around Presque Isle, having big beach bonfires, going to rock concerts at the Fieldhouse, seeing the new exhibits at the Erie Zoo, trying to find fish statues with her children, watching gorgeous sunsets over Kelso Beach, and of course, rock painting. Mary will be dearly missed by all who knew her. If you find a painted rock in Erie, it could be one Mary painted to bring you a bit of fun and joy that day.

Mary will be cremated and returned to Erie for burial. There will be a celebration of her life in Arizona on March 24th. Friends and relatives may call at Burton Funeral Home on West Ridge Road on Friday, April 19th from 2pm-4pm and from 6pm-8pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Julia Church on April 20th at 10am followed by internment. All are welcome!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Erie Zoo, another zoo/aquarium, children’s organization, homeless/animal shelter or paint a rock and leave it in a public space to continue Mary’s legacy of bringing a little bit of fun, beauty, and joy to the world.