Obituary of Alice M. Schumm

Bridgewater, NJ

 

Alice Marie Discount-LaFlam Schumm (Mom, Mommy, MomE, Memé) of Bridgewater NJ, died peacefully on Friday, April 7, 2023. She was born in her favorite place on earth, New York City, on January 4, 1944. Alice attended St. Claire Academy in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY and St John’s University. Those that knew Alice, knew that she absolutely adored Peanuts cartoons, all things Sherlock Holmes and the Muppets. Perhaps that’s because the characters reflected her outlook on life so well.

 

“He died? And this is supposed to be a kids movie!” – Rizzo, from the Muppets. 

 

Alice is predeceased by her husband Robert F. Schumm, Sr., mother Yvonne C. Bois, beloved Aunt Lucille (LuLu) Johnson, and sister-in-law Carol Schumm. She is survived by her son Robert F. Schumm, Jr. (Ellen), daughter Marianne C. Schumm Supina (Mark), five grandchildren (Jacob, Kira, William, Aleesa, and Lucas), brother-in-law John Schumm and his children and grandchildren, cousins Christian Johnson (Carol), Corinne Winters (Charles), and William Johnson (Verna) and their children and grandchildren.

 

“Be yourself. No one can say you’re doing it wrong” – Snoopy

 

Alice was someone who made her own way in the world and was at all times her true self. She lived a life she probably never would have imagined possible as a young adult. Curious and inquisitive about all things, she developed an ear for medical terms from listening to her mother and aunt, both nurses. This proved fortuitous when she carved a niche transcribing court stenography for medical malpractice suits while her children slept. It was important to Alice to contribute fully to her family’s financial well-being and her late nights were key to helping both her children afford years of gymnastics training and travel to competitions. When her kids left the nest, she parlayed an interest in technology into a successful IT career. Her attention to detail and excellent technical support skills were reflected in how sought after and beloved she was by her clients. Her abundant energy never waned, and only just this past year did she retire.

 

“Moving’ right along, footloose and fancy-free. Getting there is half the fun, come share it with me.” – Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear

 

Alice always wanted to travel and thought if she could one day see England it would be her biggest adventure. She finally got to do so in her 40s and then went on to travel widely throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. She and her husband had many great adventures riding elephants and camels, dining in the open desert, kissing the Blarney Stone and exploring many corners of the world together. It was important to Alice to share her love of travel with her grandchildren and each of them were fortunate enough to have joined her on at least one special international trip.

 

“You know my methods, Watson” – Sherlock Holmes

 

New York City was home for many years and given any opportunity Alice loved to return with friends and family. She loved the architecture, Broadway shows, and the constant energy. A perfect day would consist of a wonderful musical or ballet in the city followed by a long, leisurely dinner in a nice restaurant. Start her off with a Bloody Mary or a Brandy Alexander, followed by good food and finish hours later with a cup of coffee and Alice was on Cloud 9.

 

“In a good conversation, one person talks while the other one listens.” – Charlie Brown

 

A phone call with Alice often lasted hours and a visit meant staying up way into the night talking (and often laughing) about everything and anything. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious. She loved watching ice skating and old TV reruns. She was eager to share new games or videos or gadgets she found on the internet. She devoured information about aviation and knew everything about Sherlock Holmes, Jim Henson and the Muppets,  and her favorite, Charles Schulz’s Peanuts. Her home was always welcoming and she had incredible taste in décor. The space was always well organized and spotless. The walls were filled with original art and family photos and rooms with fine collectibles from her travels.

 

“I’m always gonna’ love you” – Miss Piggy

 

Alice was not an overly effusive person, but her family felt the depth of her love by her devotion to them. She admired her children, their spouses and her grandchildren beyond all measure and was tickled pink by all of their accomplishments big and small (but in her mind even the small ones were big). This deep love extended to her extended family of cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews and their kids. She was fiercely loyal, gave thoughtful advice, and was generous to a fault. Her family knows that, as she signed every message, she loved us all googles.

 

“When life knocks you down, roll over and look at the stars.” – Snoopy

 

A small private gathering in Alice’s memory will be held at a later date not yet determined. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the ASPCA (www.aspca.org).

 

To send an on-line condolence visit www.bongiovifuneralhome.com.

 

                                                                       "FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS"

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