"She was my grandma. She was an amazing, bright,empowering, independently strong woman. I will always look up to her and remember her in the morning in her silly robes with crazy hair telling my sister not to take pictures of her."
In loving memory of
Leanne Schell
July 2, 2018
Leanne M. Schell, age 86, of Quincy, died Monday, July 2, 2018, at 7:25 p.m. in Blessing Hospital.
Leanne was born August 15, 1931 in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Chester and Lucille Breckenkamp Bell. She married Mark A. Schell on June 23, 1951 in St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Quincy, Illinois. He survives.
Leanne was a 1949 graduate of Quincy High School. She attended John Wood Community College and Quincy University. Leanne helped pave the way for early childhood education in Quincy, Illinois. She and other St. Peter's Parrish members founded St. Peter's Pre-School in 1988. Leanne and her husband Mark also owned and operated Lollipop Preschool.
The First Presbyterian Church adopted the Lollipop Preschool where it became Lollipop-Plus. The name change indicated Leanne's interest in adding non-denominational Christian teachings into the curriculum. Leanne's interest in early childhood education, and Christian background led her to become an instrumental part of the formation of a child care center at St. Mary's Hospital in 1983 (named Joe Bonansinga Child Care Center).
In 1999 Leanne became a volunteer Christian Education co-coordinator at the new Blessing Hospital Loretta Eno Early Learning Center. Leanne continued to be very involved in early childhood education until 2018. She was also involved in Cursillo.
Some of her volunteer endeavors included Cursillo, Teens Encounter Christ, and Marriage Evenings for the Engaged. Most recently Ladies of Charity, and the Adoration Chapel at St. Peters Church. Also, Leanne mentored in the public school system for many years. However, her biggest priority in life was family.
Since Leanne's greatest enjoyment was being with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She and Mark would prepare Sunday dinner once a month to celebrate birthdays of family members. Leanne treasured her family, and friendships of all the people in her life.
Leanne was a sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, matriarch, teacher, volunteer, and dancer to name a few descriptors. However, she was much more than to anyone that encountered her. She was truly a light in the world.
Survivors in addition to her husband, Mark, include four children, Jeffery (Missy) Schell of Brandford, CT, James Schell of Livingston, MT, Scott (Debbie) Schell of Quincy, and Christopher Schell of Quincy, IL; 10 grandchildren Stacy Franco of Indiana, Dustin (Holly) Schell of Quincy, Andrea (Andrew) Bardwell of Montana, Mark (Sky) Schell of Montana, Eric, the late Adam, and David Schell, all of Quincy, Megan (Jeremy) Hudson of Washington, Matt (Miranda) Schell and Jake (Gina) Schell, both of Connecticut; 10 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jeanette (John) Elliot of Liberty, IL.
Leanne was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Lynn Schell, a brother Kenneth Bell, and a grandson Adam Schell.
Services: 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the Church of St. Peter with Monsignor Leo Enlow officiating.
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Visitation: 9:00 to 11:00 am Saturday July 7, 2018 at the Church of St. Peter.
Memorials: Ladies of Charity
Website: www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"I had the honor of volunteering at Mrs. Schnell?s preschool from 1970-1972. She was an absolute wonder with the children. She taught me more than she would ever know, and for that I am truly grateful. I attended then Quincy College, and tried to go to the preschool a couple of times a week. Mrs. Schell was so welcoming to this college kid and treated me with great kindness. I returned to the Chicago area, married, had children and taught Kindergarten for 29 years. I often thought about Mrs.Schell and the way she approached her students.....with respect, kindness, always placing the children first. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. My condolences to your family."
"I have not yet written my note here because I just can't find the words to express how much Leanne meant to me and the staff of Blessing Hospital Lauretta M. Eno Early Learning Center. She was instrumental in the start of the Child Care Center at St. Mary's, where I first met Leanne. I will never forget her poise and spiritual tone when she interviewed me for the job of Director. She said, "Joleen, this is going to be a Child Care Center with a Christian Education and theme....how do you feel about that?" She had me at that! We have been close friends ever since. She spent numerous hours planning and delivering the Christian Education program for the children, and she always wanted it to mean something to the children. She told me, "Joleen, this is when a lot of young children can be introduced to Jesus." She was so enthused and driven to ensure children received this instruction. One time, a child saw her in the grocery store and told her parent that God was in the store. WOW. She will be forever missed and I asked God's blessing upon Mark and family. She made a huge mark on my llfe and I loved her dearly. Leanne, I know your trip to Heaven had to be remarkable, and I am going to trust that you will see the fruit from the seeds you have planted from the view out your Heavenly window.... Love your friend, Joleen"
"Our world is a little dimmer...without your smiling face.... Peace love and prayers... Xoxo Kathy"
"Leanne holds a very special place in my heart. When my family moved to town I never had local grandparents and her and Mark would always come to grandparents day for me at school. She is full of light and always had extra love to share. We have lost a beautiful soul. My heart is deeply saddened by this news. All my love."
"She was a role model to me! What a life well lived for Jesus. So sorry for your loss."
"I have known Mrs.Schell since my college days when I worked part-time at Lollipop Pre-School, in her home. She had so much love and compassion for the small children she nurtured, as well as for this college student. When my own children were born, I remember calling Mrs. Schell while I was still in the hospital, to reserve a space in her pre-school. I wanted my kids to experience the same love I did when I was a student. God bless you Mrs. Schell. I am sure you are reading to the little angels in heaven."
"Mark and Family - I am sorry for your loss - I wish you peace"
"Scott and Debbie, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Scott's mom. I'm praying God will wrap his arms around you and give you the comfort you need right now."
"Terri and I wish to say how sorry we are for your loss, and pray for your Peace of mind and heart in knowing Leanne is in Heaven and has heard those words: Well Done! John & Terri Badamo"
"Mark and family so sorry for your loss, Mrs Shell as I always called her was one of My most favorite people , the nicest human being ever . One of my Moms best friends and I will always be proud that she was and always will be my Godmother. Tim Tappe"
"I am so sorry to hear of Leanne's passing. Please know we are all thinking of your family"
"So sorry for your loss. Scott and Debbie keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers."
"My Aunt Leanne was truly a gracious (full of grace) person, and a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She had amazing energy and was entirely devoted to her family. Heartfelt condolences to Uncle Mark and so many friends and family who loved her very much. She was definitely one in a million! Barb & Dick Mayo"
"Leanne was two of my three children's Lollipop Pre-School teacher. She was highly requested and we had to acquire a spot at birth to be able to enroll in Lollipop Pre-School with Leanne! She was truly one of the best and the children loved her. Hugs to all!"
"Pete, I didn?t know your wife. I am sorry. We go back to grade school and Notre Dame. Saturday at St Peter?s I was at a funeral mass for a friend at 10:00. Ted"
"I am so very sorry for your family?s great loss. Leanne was an amazing woman and I was lucky to count her among my friends."
"Mark, Sorry to hear of Leanne?s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Mark and family ?our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Leanne was Jesus to so many of us and she has brightened the heavens even more! Peace to all of you."
"So sorry for the loss of a really wonderful beautiful lady ! With our sympathy Mark and family ! Hugs Bonnie and Kenny Heming"
"Miss Leanne, I enjoyed getting to know you during my time at the Blessing Child Care Center. Your love of Christ and the time you spent sharing it with the kids was precious and joy filled. You will be dearly missed. ??"
"So sorry for your loss. She was all of my children?s Lollipop preschool teacher. What a sweetheart"
"Mark, and family my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies LeeAnn was and always will be one beautiful little lady with the biggest heart. Her smile brightened my day many a time she will be missed. My love to all. Diana"
"She was such a wonderful woman. I know she made an impact with the volunteer work she did at Blessing Lauretta M Emo Early Learning Center. She did Gods work and will be missed."
"Beautiful Lady. She was loved by so many. She always had a kind word and was an angel to the children at Blessing Daycare. She taught the little ones so much about God and goodness. I always looked forward to Wednesdays when she would come to share Gods word with the children. She was a true friend to us all. I know she is smiling now and wouldn't want us to be sad."
"Miss Leanne was one of God?s very special servants. Her work for His kingdom was telling little ones all about God?s love for them. It will never be known how many children, teachers, parents, and others were touched by her mission of love. I can say that she made a difference in this Teachers life. I am thankful I had the opportunity to tell her that. I am blessed because of her. Rest in the arms of Jesus, Miss Leanne."
"I am so sorry to hear the news of Leanne's passing. I always love getting to run into her because she just always touched my heart. I know she will be dearly missed by all her family and loved ones as well as friends. I learned the sad news for my mother Pat Hinton today and felt a deep send this to hear the news. Pat Hinton's daughter, Shari Harberts"