03/01/1956 – 07/06/2023
Mary Jean Klismith (Schilling), 67, passed away peacefully at home in Park City, Utah, the evening of July 6, 2023 after a spirited battle with cancer. Mary was born March 1, 1956 in Madison, Wisconsin to parents Bill Schilling (dec.) and Jean (McIntyre) Schilling (dec.), and older sister Susan McIntyre.
Mary treasured growing up in Madison. She attended Edgewood High School, class of ’74 and earned a bachelor’s degree at UW-Oshkosh in Earth Science Education (1978). After teaching science in Stevens Point, Wisconsin and Salem Oregon, she moved back “home”, graduating with an M. Ed. in School Counseling from UW-Madison (1984).
Mary began her love of the Mountain West while taking family summer trips to the Rockies; but her passion flowered during three summers as a camp counselor at Colvig Silver Camps near Durango, Colorado (1973,’74,’77). The mountains became her permanent home in 1984 when she and ex-husband Paul Langley-Klismith moved to Park City, and Mary began her 36-year school counseling career: 29 years in Park City (all levels), sandwiched around 2 years at Jacksonville Elementary in Jacksonville, Oregon, and 5 years at Wasatch Middle School in Heber City, Utah. Mary poured a seeming boundless energy and passion into work. A career that gifted her with many beloved friends and the privilege of offering support to countless students.
Far beyond loving her work and city, Mary’s greatest passion flowed for her precious sons Scott (b.1988) and Daniel (b.1990). She cherished listening to them sing and play, especially together.
Mary was always active. She enjoyed swimming, hiking in national parks, volunteering at Sundance Film Festival, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and supporting Adopt a Native Elder. She was an avid reader and enjoyed sports––playing tennis in high school, and always cheering fervently for the Utah Jazz, her favorite tennis star Rafa Nadal, and of course the Green Bay Packers. She spent summers traveling with her family, often to favorite destinations Yellowstone, the Oregon coast, England, Scotland, and Spain. On many Saturdays, Mary and friends would ply the Salt Lake thrift stores with mild mischief and much laughter.
Mary had a unique, wonderful spunky presence. Those who knew her as friend or family will miss her greatly. Bon voyage dear one.
The Celebration of Mary’s Life has been planned for the first week of August. If you would like to attend, for details please contact family or friends.
Scott and Daniel want to extend a huge thank you! to loving friends and family for your relentless support through Mary’s entire process, from diagnosis to celebration.