Mary Virginia Schulze, 62, known as "Meim" by her grandchildren, passed away peacefully Friday, March 10, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell after battling cancer and eventually succumbing to an MRSA infection.

Mary was born in Ames, Iowa, on Nov. 25, 1943, the daughter of Gordon E. and Madeline (Daly) Hoven.

Her family lived in Plentywood, then moved to Havre, where she was raised and attended school. After graduation, Mary went on to college at the University of Montana, where she received a bachelor's degree in sociology.

Mary met Stephen Schulze in 1969, and married him in March 1970. She worked for the Department of Family Services in Great Falls and Missoula, and finally in Kalispell. She retired as a social worker supervisor after working for the agency for 36 years.

Mary loved her grandchildren, pug dogs, drinking a glass of brandy and reminiscing about the past. She wanted everyone to know "I told you I was sick" and "I don't like shopping at Wal-Mart." We all love Mary and she will be greatly missed.

"We would like to thank all Mary's friends who were there to support her. We would also like to thank Virginia, who was not only her nurse, but also her friend, and Dr. Pistorese who took great care of her also."

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Renee Hoven; and a cousin, Barbara Keller.

She is survived by her husband, Stephen Schulze, and her two daughters, Shawna and Kristin Schulze and their husbands, Bryan Mclaughlin and Cobey Foster, all of Kalispell; four grandchildren, Quinn Brockman, Savannah Foster, Paige Foster and Gabrielle Mclaughlin, all of Kalispell; and two brothers, Gordon and Danny Hoven, of Helena.

A Mass of Christian burial for Mary Virginia Schulze will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, with Father Vic Langhans celebrant and Deacon Fred Topp assisting. There will be no visitation.

The family suggests memorials be sent to the Northwest Montana Humane Society, 3499 U.S. 93 N., Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Mary's family.