Obituary of Kathy Schumacher

Kathy Schumacher passed away peacefully February 24th at Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul MN, following a yearlong battle with cancer. Kathy attended Agassiz elementary in Minneapolis, went to St. Louis Park High School, and she was a graduate of Gallaudet University class of 1973. Kathy will be remembered for her pioneering work as one of the first advocates for deaf women victims of domestic violence. She traveled extensively speaking on domestic assault issues and helped Battered Women’s shelters create greater accessibility for deaf women. She worked for Petra Howard House of Peoples Inc and worked at Ramsey-Regions Hospital in the mental health program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She spent many years serving as an Occupational Specialist helping her deaf clients as a job coach. She volunteered on many committees and was also active with Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens. Kathy had a great heart for everything and everyone! She loved collecting trolls, going to parades, camping, cruises and traveling with her gnome. Her fun loving spirit, mischievousness, and sense of humor will not be forgotten by the many people she touched over the years. Preceded in death by daughter Robyn, brother John, Father Cletus Swanson and a lot of black cats. Survived by son Derek and granddaughter "BBF" Breanna, sister Joan and mother Alma Swanson. Please join family and friends at 1:30 pm for a Celebration of Life at Thompson Hall 1824 Marshall Ave, St Paul, MN 55104.