MARY JOSEPHINE SCHNABEL

June 16, 1934 – August 9, 2026

Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother (GG)

Mary Josephine, 92, died peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, surrounded by family in her final days. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent Francis Schnabel. She is survived by her two daughters, Karen Ritchey (Daniel), and Deidrea Schnabel (Nathan Harris, deceased); two grandsons, Brett (Leigh) and Shaun (Laura); and two great grandsons, Brooks and Vince. Mary is the last relative of the John and Mary Schnabel “Aunts and Uncles”.

She was born on June 16, 1934, in Brooklyn, NY. Mary was the daughter of the late James and Anna Josephine and was the sister of the late Eileen Sorensen (Robert, deceased). She attended St Teresa of Avila Grammar School and graduated from St Joseph’s High School, Brooklyn, NY. After marrying in 1955, she moved to West Babylon to start her family. Her residence and heart remained there until the end. 

She was employed by RCA Communications, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and Estee Lauder Cosmetics until her retirement. She was a faithful Catholic and devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Over the years, she was an active member of Our Lady of Grace Church volunteering to teach CCD, and for the Ladies Altar Society, Bingo Kitchen, Fashion Shows, and the CYO Youth League. She was a long-time member of the Babylon Division of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. She proudly marched down 5th Avenue, NY (in heels) wearing her green on many St. Patrick’s Days. Mary enjoyed bowling, was a “Red Hatter” and loved the social events with the Babylon Township Seniors.

Mary’s immediate family was always her priority. She adored her daughters and their husbands, her grandsons and their wives, and her recent great grandsons. “GG” (Great Grandma) was the moniker she chose and was thrilled to be called that. She never missed any important milestone in their lives. She was there for every special occasion. Grandma was good for a hug, a laugh, and a quip. Her nieces and nephews lovingly called her “Dear Aunt Mary” and were a special part of her life. Mary Josephine had wonderful friends and neighbors. She cherished her 86-year Brooklyn childhood friendships – especially, Barbara and Maureen. She was a kind and faithful friend and confidante to many. Mary was fun and always ready for a party or a social outing. She loved shopping, playing cards, Broadway plays, concerts/music (Big Band, Jazz and Ella Fitzgerald), dancing (Lindy, Irish and other), dogs, cruising, traveling, sitting by the ocean, reading James Patterson books, eating anything chocolate, and watching Columbo.

At a future date, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Grace, West Babylon, NY. Interment will follow at LI National Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY. Dates and plans will be released later. 

In memory of Mary J Schnabel, the family invites you to make a donation to The Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, NY, or to Our Lady of Grace RC Church, West Babylon, NY.  These are special places that were meaningful to her.

Mom/Grandma/GG/Aunt/Godmother/Friend - you are loved and missed. OXO

Forever a part of each of our hearts, you will always be loved and treasured