Mary Anna Schreit

Mary Anna (Ann) Schreit, 94, formally of Cool Valley, Missouri peacefully entered eternal rest Thursday, July 13, 2017 at Auburn Creek Assisted Living in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Ann was born on April 18, 1923 in ILasco, Missouri to the late Ipas and Johanna Apostol. She married Mathew William Schreit on April 1, 1945 and he preceded her in death on September 5, 1990.

Annie, as she was sometimes adoringly referred to, had a remarkable life. The daughter of Romanian immigrant parents, who found their way to Hannibal (Ilasco), Missouri to forge their American dream. Annie was the fifth child, and second daughter of six children. Annie never did anything ordinary, whatever she undertook was extraordinary. She traveled the world gathering friends she would cherish forever.

Her talents were many. Her family and friends will miss her cakes, especially bunny cakes at Easter and her special birthday cakes, pigs-in-the-blanket (that will never ever taste the same) and oh, those cut-out Christmas cookies baked to perfection. And we can’t forget “Santa Anna”. Every Christmas she dressed up as Santa to bring cheer to her family. Her great-granddaughter, Olivia age 8, has chosen to carry that tradition on, starting in 2017. Olivia, Nan will be so happy!

Annie had a gift for making people feel special. Her kindness and generosity was always present in whatever she did. Her glass was always full and she always saw the best in people.

Annie was fortunate to find great love with her husband of 45 years, Mathew. When their only daughter, Janey, came into their lives, they became a terrific trio. Ann’s love grew as Janey’s family grew. Jerry became Jane’s husband and the son-in-law who could do no wrong in her eyes. Matthew, her first grandchild was born on Ann’s birthday. Adam, her second grandson, came six and a half years later. They are pals forever. Nan, as they called her, was always great fun. She made everything super cool. When the family left their Nan to go home both boys cried almost to Perryville from St. Louis. They just didn’t want to leave their Nan and Gramps.

Annie loved to plan and give parties. In her eyes parties were special and so were people, so they went together. She could make anything happen if she deemed it to be. There was never an obstacle too big that she couldn’t find a solution or a way to get it done. Her drive and determination is memory that her family will remember always.

She is survived by a daughter, Jane (Jerry) Cox of Cape Girardeau; two grandsons, Matthew D. (Elizabeth) Cox of Scott City; Adam M. (Kelly) Cox both of Cape Girardeau; five great-grandchildren, Hunter A. Cox, Braden L. Cox, Olivia K. Cox, Estella J. Cox and Connor Earnest; she is also survived by two nieces, Shelly (John) Hopkins of Springfield, Missouri; Deborah Jan Apostol of Springfield, Missouri; a nephew, Edgar L. (Shirley) Schreit of Sullivan, Missouri.

She was also preceded in death by four brothers, Epas, George, Carl and Joseph Apostol; a sister Sylvia M. Harlow; a granddaughter, Joanna Marie Cox and a nephew, Richard J. Schreit.

Friends may call after 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Saverton-ILasco United Methodist Church in Hannibal, Missouri

Funeral Services will be at 3:00 pm on Tuesday at the Church with Rodger Rice officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hannibal, Missouri.

For the last three years Anna resided at Auburn Creek Assisted living where she was lovingly cared for by the entire staff, Director of Nursing, Rhonda Gray and Administrators. We are so grateful to all of you. In addition the family would like to thank for their extra care Marian Nelson, Skyler Allen, Andrea Gray, Peninnah Nelson, Deandrea Nelson, Cassandra Nelson, Lisa Housman, Jessica Robinson, and Ronda Roberts. Anna’s angels on earth

Annie loved her Romanian roots so the family asks that in Lieu flowers, donations be made to the Ilasco Historical Society c/o David Polc 60 Pioneer Circle, Hannibal, MO 63401