Mary Anne Schell, 99, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Like many others who live in Virginia, she was not a native but a transplant from North Carolina. She was born in Little Washington in 1927 and was raised by an aunt and uncle. After graduating from high school, she moved to Newport News to live with a cousin. While living in Hilton Village, she was introduced to a “Hilton boy” named Alvin Schell. Clearly, they hit it off, and three months later, they got married. She got a job at Ft. Monroe, and Alvin was accepted into the Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Along the way, they had two children. While the kids were in school, she went back to work nearby at what was then the Bank of Warwick. She retired from the bank in the late 1980’s. After Alvin retired in 1990, they decided to relax and enjoy themselves. She liked going to the beach and playing bridge as well as party games with her Hilton Baptist Church friends. She also liked music. She loved listening to Elvis and Frank Sinatra. She followed her lifelong desire to take guitar lessons, learning to play a number of songs and even playing for the Happy Hearts senior group at church. She and Alvin liked to travel with neighborhood friends, especially fall trips to the mountains “to see the leaves.” They felt blessed to have been able to take several big trips to Hawaii, California, England, and their favorite, a Princess cruise in Alaska.
In 2010, they decided to downsize. This was an adjustment, but it didn’t take long to get used to it – especially not having to cut the grass! They were fortunate to make a lot of new friends while taking advantage of the many activities at Warwick Forest.
After Alvin’s passing in 2015, Mary Anne had a fall and realized she needed to move over to assisted living. She was so blessed to have had wonderful caregivers, especially Chenelle, Na’Shante, and Mavis. They took such good care of her. She and her family appreciated them every day.
Mary Anne was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was always patient, caring, and supportive. She is deeply missed.
Mary Anne was predeceased by her husband, Alvin, and her daughter-in-law, Mary Kay. She is survived by her son, Wayne Schell; daughter, Patricia Schell; grandson Barclay Schell and his wife, Rebecca; granddaughter Melissa Stark and her husband, Richard; along with great-grandchildren Amber Black and her husband Jackson, Carsyn, Ethan, Tyler, and Naomi.
A Celebration of Life service for Mary Anne will be on Friday, August 7, at 10:00 a.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home with Reverend Lynwood Wells officiating. Burial will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.
6 Comments
I sure am gonna miss you Maw Maw. You always treated me just like a granddaughter and never like an in-law. We find some solice knowing you are with your beloved Alvin (Paw Paw) again.
I did not know Rebecca Schell but do know her daughter Pat. It is simply fun and amazing that Rebecca learned to play the guitar. Not everyone can do that. I bet she would have made a wonderful friend. She was loved and cared for by Pat, and will be very missed. Life on earth is just too short. Many Blessings to all that knew and loved her.
John and Sue Kiudulas
So sorry to hear about your mother death, she was part of the Willis family, I would see she and Alvin eating at a restaurant in Poquoson!
Pat and Wayne, so sorry for your loss.
The Schell family lived in the same neighborhood that I grew up in. Being a kid then, I have fond memories of Mrs. Schell. It was a much simpler time when all of the parents and kids were outside on summer evenings and just enjoying each others company. My family and the Schell’s also attended the same church for years, Hilton Baptist Church. Mrs. Schell was always welcoming and had a kindness about her that drew people to her. My condolences to Wayne and Pat.
I knew Mary Anne throught the Red Hat club in Shore Park, Newport News. Such a sweet and precious lady. I am sorry for your loss . Guess the Lord needed a guitarist in heaven.
May God give you peace and comfort.