Mary Beth Thomas

Mary Beth Thomas, 71, of Waukesha, Wis, formerly of Algoma, died Sept. 28, 2024, from glioblastoma (brain cancer).

Mary was a talented pianist who maintained her own studio at the New Berlin Conservatory of Music and later at her Waukesha home.  She also served as the Music Director and organist at the Central United Methodist Church in Milwaukee for 11 years.

Mary’s own music education included a four-year course with Master Teacher N. Jane Tan; she also studied contemporary and modern jazz at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music with Mark Davis, David Hazeltine and Tony King.  As a recognized musician and teacher, Mary judged annual national and state-wide piano competitions including at her alma mater the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she majored in Music Education and Music Therapy.  

Over her 33 years in music education, Mary taught thousands of students at every age and skill level. Mary said that music “sharpens the mind, feeds the soul, and provides a life-time of joy.” Mary also composed music, and the last five years were a creatively rich time. Two years ago, early in her cancer treatment, she composed “MRI” (or “Mr. I” as she called it). 

Mary is survived by her partner, Lisa Fowle of Hartland, Wis, brothers Steve (Diane) of Tower, Minn. and Tom (Connie) of Red Banks, Wis. and many long-time friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Arlene and father Norbert Thomas, nephew Steve Thomas Jr., nieces Stephanie Thomas and Stacie Kopchinski, and sister-in-law Shirley Thomas.   

Family and friends would like to thank Dr. M. Ali Raza, the healthcare team at ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital, the UW Health Care Center staff and the wonderful caregivers at AngelsGrace Hospice, Oconomowoc for Mary’s care during this time. Arrangements are being handled by the Schinderle Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Algoma. 

Family, friends, students and associates are welcome to attend a Celebration of Mary's Life that will be held Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hotel Stebbins, 201 Steele Street, Algoma, WI

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Mary may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.SchinderleFuneralHome.com.

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