Obituary of Mary Susan Schmezer

Mary Susan McCullum Schmezer, 67, passed away on June 25, 2016, at her home after fighting a courageous battle against breast cancer. She was born on November 9, 1948, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was predeceased by her parents, Susan M.(Semon) and William D. McCullum; and her parents-in-law, Margaret G. (Dorn) and George P. Schmezer. She is survived by her husband, George P. Schmezer, Jr., and their beloved Australian Shepherd dog, Luke. Also surviving are sister-in-law Helene and husband Larry Headley of Morgantown; nieces Rachel Headley and husband Chris Hill of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Rebecca Headley and husband Kevin D’Agostino of Black Mountain, North Carolina; and several cousins and their families. Mary graduated with honors from West Virginia University in 1970 with a Bachelor’s Degree in library science and worked for 43 years in the Morgantown Public Library System, retiring in 2014. Early in her career, Mary initiated the Morgantown Public Library’s video collection and helped it grow into one of the largest in the state. As she neared retirement, she developed a summer reading program for adults. In between, she served in a variety of capacities. Her many roles included audio-visual librarian, reference librarian, interim director, evening program organizer, and – the role for which she is possibly most fondly remembered – “Browser,” the character for which she donned a dog costume to interact with children and encourage them to read. She was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church, the West Virginia Library Association, and Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Morgantown Public Library, 373 Spruce Street, Morgantown, WV 26505; or Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia, P.O. Box 1090, Dellslow, WV 26531. Friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown, from 4 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 7. A Scriptural Wake Service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday evening at 7 PM. Visitation will continue at St. Luke Catholic Church, 19 Jo Glen Drive, Morgantown, on Friday, July 8, from 5 p.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 6 PM with Father Carlos L. Melocoton, Jr. as celebrant. Honoring Mary’s wishes, cremation services will be provided by Hastings Funeral Home following the service. There will be no interment service. Online condolences may be made at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com