Obituary of Marjorie Kathleen Schneider

SCHNEIDER, Marjorie Kathleen (nee Essig) passed away peacefully at Dover Cliffs LTC on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 in her 101st year. Predeceased by her husband, Harold (1988) and son, Anthony (Tony) Douglas (2016). Survived by daughters Patricia Ann Courtnage and Andrea Gay Brzozowski and son Bruce Andrew Schneider. Marjorie leaves grandsons Bruce Courtnage (Tammie), Tony Schneider Jr., Andrew Schneider (Pam) and Louis Brzozowski Jr. (Jodi-Anne). Great-grandchildren Brandon Schneider, Kylie Schneider, Alexis Schneider, Abigail Schneider, Katie Brzozowski, Evan Brzozowski, Skylar Johnson, Ashley Courtnage and Brooke Courtnage, Jack Crickmore and Olivia Crickmore. Great-great-granddaughter Lyric Schneider. Also lifelong friends Laverne Wilson of Port Dover, Mariette Cornelius of Wallaceburg and Deanne Cassibo, 'partner-in-crime' and confidant. Marjorie was born November 10, 1919 in Seaforth, Ontario and grew up in Galt, Ontario. Marjorie met a gentlemanly, young hotel man, Harold Schneider from Waterloo, Ontario, whom she married in 1937. When Harold joined the navy in 1941 to serve in WWII, Marjorie, with 2 small children in tow, had to take over the role as manager of the Wallaceburg Inn from Harold for the duration of the war. While Harold was in service during WWII, Marjorie was to search out possible locations for a future hotel of their own. When they discovered the only affordable option was the war-weary Erie Beach Hotel in Port Dover, Harold had misgivings but they were overcome by Marjorie's optimistic vision. Harold later conceded that Marjorie had indeed brought her vision to fruition. The two then spent a wonderful 50 years of marriage prior to Harold's passing in 1988. A natural talent in the kitchen, Marjorie introduced her unique celery bread to Port Dover, an Erie Beach treat popular to this day. Marjorie also capitalized on Lake Erie's natural bounty of fresh water pickerel and perch. They continue to be a mainstay of the Erie Beach's menu today. After many years of old school hard work, the team of Marjorie and Harold sold the popular and prosperous business to son Tony and daughter-in-law Betty in the early 1970's. Tony and Betty continued in the preceding generation's footsteps for three decades before selling the business to their son, Andrew and daughter-in-law Pam thus making Marjorie's grandson, Andrew, the third generation to own and operate the beloved Port Dover institution over the last 75 years. Marjorie served as the long term matriarch of the Schneider family, the Erie Beach Hotel and indeed the business community of Port Dover. Due to Covid- 19 restrictions all services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to THOMPSON WATERS FUNERAL HOME 519-583-1530. For those wishing, donations to the Port Dover Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Online donations and/or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca