Mary Frances Schmidt
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 6
Mary Frances Schmidt, 96, of Pittston Township, left us and was embraced by the Lord on Tuesday March 31, 2026 at Highland Manor Nursing Home, Exeter, where she had been a resident. Previously resided at 210 S Township Blvd in Pittston Township for 86 happy years.
Born in Pittston Township, she was the daughter of the late August Rotondaro and Esther Poilto Rotondaro.
She was a graduate of Pittston Township High School and had worked in the local garment industry and after retirement worked in the cafeteria at the Pittston Area High School where she enjoyed being with the students and other workers.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip W. Schmidt who was the center of her life for 44 years; her sister, Josephine Rotondaro Orgie; her brother, Vincent (Jimmy) Rotondaro; her nephew, Vincent Rotondaro; and her sister-in-law Phyl Rotondaro Reh and brother-in-law, Ralph Orgie.
She is survived by her sister, Helen Rotondaro Fazendin and her husband, Chris, of Mt. Veron, WA as well as her nieces Krista Fazendin Buckley and husband, Wade, Michelle Fazendin Jacobs and husband, Warren, Alida Rotondaro Matusek and Judy Orgie Hoffer and great nephews Finn and Luca Jacobs, John Matusek, Vincent Rotondaro and Karmen Matusek as well as numerous cousins.
Mary was an avid New England Patriots fan, especially of QB Tom Brady. She enjoyed critiquing the games, coaches, and players with friends and family.
Her other joys were seeing the world by visiting Helen’s family throughout their travels in the US and Europe and going out to dinner with her cousin Ann Hrobak and Missy Thomas and their friends.
A special thanks to Compassionate Care and specifically Garrett, her hospice nurse, and the staff of Highland Manor, especially Terri, Isaiah, and Lori who took such great care of her.
The family will receive friends and relatives Friday April 10. 2026 at 8:15AM in St. Joseph Marello Parish, 237 William St., Pittston.
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:30AM.
Interment will take place in Saint John the Evangelist Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
I drove Mary to a number ofher cancer appointments through Road to Recovery. Mary was my favorite passeneger. She always welcomed me with a smile and let me help her get down her steps and into the car. She shared much about her life and especially about her sister nd family in the state of Washington and the many happy visits there. She also told me about her working years in dress factories and how much she enjoyed the children when working in the school cafeteria. My wife and I had the chance to host her for dinner at one of her favorite restaurants, Agolino's. We both enjoyed talking with her then. I will miss her ready smile a…