“Part of living is learning how to lose everything”– a powerful and real lesson from our mom, Ruth (Schaefer) Smogor, who died Sunday, September 11, 2016. Mom’s many such lessons showed us (her children and grandchildren) how to enjoy life’s moments while going with the flow and how to let go when life calls for it. Mom’s faith in God gave her graceful strength; we believe that she touched many others in equally beautiful and wonderful ways.
Through persistent interest and a caring spirit, Mom had a way of making friends with everyone she met. She lived young throughout her 88 years, rarely at a loss for words when interacting with anyone, young or old. Even in her last few days of life, she asked us to keep blessing each other and those around us.
Mom lived in Chicago her whole life, enjoying her time with many friends, and readily shared her love of the city with others. She had eight children and five grandchildren. She dedicated most of her time caring for us, loving us, and teaching us to do the same for others. She enjoyed the close company of her sisters, brothers, and extended family. We camped, sledded at the park, and picnicked at the forest preserves. Mom showed us how to have fun, use our brains, and treat others respectfully.
Practical, compassionate, and brutally honest at times, Mom did not shy from sharing her advice–and occasionally a stiff Manhattan–with others.
Mom made each of us feel special and loved. We will always remember and appreciate how she personalized our Christmas stockings, took time to ask us about school each day, and encouraged each of us to pitch in.
These loving lessons make us who we are today and, hopefully, who we will be for the rest of our lives.
Mom continues to brighten and inspire our lives. We know she will find new ways to touch us.
A memorial mass will be held in her honor on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 3:00 pm at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church at 8200 S. Kostner Avenue in Chicago.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Bede School; Mom still teaches us in many ways.A Memorial Mass will be held 3pm on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 8200 S. Kostner, Chicago.
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So very sad when I learned that Aunt Ruth passed. Yet, so very glad I got to see her in July at Lou’s 90th. To all my Smogor cousins…and the entire Shaefer family—heartfelt condolences.
So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful & thoughtful lady. My daughter, Aubrey knew her as MUM, my uncle’s mother. Roy is very special to my girls. You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Dear Roy, Neala and your siblings and their families;
Your mom’s motto as stated in her obituary has a lot of strength in its wisdom. Your obituary speaks to her huge capacity for love, sharing, teaching and time for family and friends. My prayers are with you at this time of loss. May you feel love and support from each other and family and friends. My prayers are with you and especially on Saturday.
Kay F. Klinkenborg
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of your family during this difficult time and offering my condolences.
I am sorry for your loss. My prayers and sympathies are with you all at this time.
We’re going to miss you Aunt Ruth! You were a very special lady.
Ruth was a co-worker, advisor at times and a very dear friend. She loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. Even though I do not know each of you kids personally I know all about you from the loving stories Ruth shared from all her happy memories of your times shared together. Ruth was a strong women but had a gentle soul. She was a delightful person that I am glad was a part of my life. She is now a beautiful angel that is looking down on us until we meet again. God Bless everyone who was a part of Ruth’s life!
What a lovely message from her children in remembrance of someone who touched the lives of so many. Ruth was always caring, always helping, and never afraid to let you know just how she felt. My mother-in-law will be in our collective memories for ever and ever. I am proud to have been a part of her life for nearly 40 years. To think that we will be without her visits, phone calls, letters, cards, her kindness and well-meaning advice will be hard for all who knew her. Rest in peace oh kind and caring soul.
I’ll miss you, Aunt Ruth! I will never forget your infectious energy and laugh.
My husband Richard and I learned of Ruth’s passing only last week in a letter from her daughter Maribeth Smogor Hamm. Maribeth wrote me in response to a 2016 Christmas card I had sent Ruth. We were very saddened to learn of Ruth’s death… My mother-in-law, Laura Pertel, (Rich’s mother) was Ruth’s godmother. I first met Ruth through my mother-in-law at a friends & family picnic when Rich & I were newlyweds way back in the summer of 1967.
I looked Ruth’s obituary online as soon as I read Maribeth’s letter. The tribute given to Ruth by her children was very loving, beautiful, and so worthy of the exceptional woman she was. Her legacy of love truly lives on through her family and friends!
Although I didn’t personally know Ruth well, every time Rich & I saw her in recent years (usually after a weekend Mass at St. Bede the Venerable Church), she made me feel as though I had known her for many years! She was always warm, friendly, engaging, cheerful, and uplifting to talk with! Since Rich & I moved up to Glenview, IL in July 2015, I had hoped that at some point we would be able to get back to Chicago and connect with Ruth, etc. Sadly for us, that didn’t happen…
Our condolences to Ruth and all of her family & friends. Her memory, her love, her legacy will live on and endure through you!