Obituary for Caridad Roa "Carrie" Schaller
Caridad Angelina Roa Schaller, known fondly as Carrie, 95, of Compton, MD passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on January 22, 2021. She was born on May 12, 1925 in Manila, Philippines and was the daughter of the late Remberto Duterte Roa and Juanita Mina Roa. Carrie was the former wife of the late Donald LeRoy “Don” Schaller who preceded her in death on April 8, 2000. Carrie is survived by her children, Robert Reyes “Bob” Schaller, Sr. (Valinda “Wendy”) of Leonardtown, MD, Iris Ann Schaller (Paul) of Leonardtown, MD, Maria Juanita Nickerson (William “Nick”) of Compton, MD, 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, and sibling, Francisco Mina Roa of Manila, Philippines. She was preceded in death by her son, Donald Michael “Danny” Schaller, and siblings, Josefina Roa Segura, Lourdes Roa Hartendorp, Guillermo Mina Roa, and Manuel Mina Roa.
Carrie, a native Filipino, married Don Schaller, then U.S. Army, on June 9, 1946, and emigrated to America and settled in Baltimore, MD. In 1951, she and Don, and his parents, Emmett and Lola Schaller moved to Compton, MD to start a family business called Don’s Superette, a general merchandise store. Helping Don run the store would be her first duty until her 4 children were born. As the children were growing, Carrie became very active in the community including at her beloved church, St. Francis Xavier where she played the organ and directed the choir for many years. She helped organize the 300th anniversary of St. Francis Xavier Church in 1962. She was an advocate for youth activities, serving as a girl scout leader, on school PTAs, and very active in the early days of recreation and parks programs in St. Mary’s County.
In her own right, Carrie was a talented pianist, and loved all kinds of music. She passed this gift on to her children and others. Later in life, she became an avid coin collector, picture organizer, and a serious timeshare vacation organizer. She loved to travel. If you needed a ride cross-country, Carrie was available. She was a free spirit, her energy, determination, and friendly smile are what stood out. Carrie also loved to be outside working in the yard, tending to the many flower beds and picking at those stubborn weeds. She got the most pleasure from spending time with her family, friends, grandchildren, and especially the great-grandchildren. She knew everyone’s birthday and made sure to call and sing happy birthday to them on their special day.
Carrie touched so many during her long and full life. Her purpose was to lift others, to see past adversity to possibilities and opportunities, to smile and leave others smiling. For her family, her primary mission on this earth was to keep her entire family together as one unit. Carrie’s family extended to relatives and friends from all over, reaching halfway around the world. She owned several timeshares and relished in scheduling timeshare vacations for many of her Filipino relatives here and abroad. Some would include her, but most would not. Enjoyment at a vacation spot was her gift to so many. She would also arrange many family gatherings at Maria and Nick’s homestead on Combs Creek, where she lived and where all still call home. Even though her time on earth is over, her light will shine on in all of us!
Funeral services at this time will be private. In lieu of flowers, a charitable contribution to Hospice of St. Mary’s County in Callaway or St. Francis Xavier Church in honor of Carrie Schaller is requested. Due to Covid restrictions a Celebration of Life Memorial will be scheduled at a later date when it’s safe to do so.
Serving as pallbearers will be William Jess Nickerson III, Brian Dale Nickerson, Collin Matthew Nickerson, Robert Tyler Pegg, Robert Reyes Schaller, Jr., and Emmett Michael Schaller. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Lombardi and Jhoanna Roa.
Carrie, a native Filipino, married Don Schaller, then U.S. Army, on June 9, 1946, and emigrated to America and settled in Baltimore, MD. In 1951, she and Don, and his parents, Emmett and Lola Schaller moved to Compton, MD to start a family business called Don’s Superette, a general merchandise store. Helping Don run the store would be her first duty until her 4 children were born. As the children were growing, Carrie became very active in the community including at her beloved church, St. Francis Xavier where she played the organ and directed the choir for many years. She helped organize the 300th anniversary of St. Francis Xavier Church in 1962. She was an advocate for youth activities, serving as a girl scout leader, on school PTAs, and very active in the early days of recreation and parks programs in St. Mary’s County.
In her own right, Carrie was a talented pianist, and loved all kinds of music. She passed this gift on to her children and others. Later in life, she became an avid coin collector, picture organizer, and a serious timeshare vacation organizer. She loved to travel. If you needed a ride cross-country, Carrie was available. She was a free spirit, her energy, determination, and friendly smile are what stood out. Carrie also loved to be outside working in the yard, tending to the many flower beds and picking at those stubborn weeds. She got the most pleasure from spending time with her family, friends, grandchildren, and especially the great-grandchildren. She knew everyone’s birthday and made sure to call and sing happy birthday to them on their special day.
Carrie touched so many during her long and full life. Her purpose was to lift others, to see past adversity to possibilities and opportunities, to smile and leave others smiling. For her family, her primary mission on this earth was to keep her entire family together as one unit. Carrie’s family extended to relatives and friends from all over, reaching halfway around the world. She owned several timeshares and relished in scheduling timeshare vacations for many of her Filipino relatives here and abroad. Some would include her, but most would not. Enjoyment at a vacation spot was her gift to so many. She would also arrange many family gatherings at Maria and Nick’s homestead on Combs Creek, where she lived and where all still call home. Even though her time on earth is over, her light will shine on in all of us!
Funeral services at this time will be private. In lieu of flowers, a charitable contribution to Hospice of St. Mary’s County in Callaway or St. Francis Xavier Church in honor of Carrie Schaller is requested. Due to Covid restrictions a Celebration of Life Memorial will be scheduled at a later date when it’s safe to do so.
Serving as pallbearers will be William Jess Nickerson III, Brian Dale Nickerson, Collin Matthew Nickerson, Robert Tyler Pegg, Robert Reyes Schaller, Jr., and Emmett Michael Schaller. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Lombardi and Jhoanna Roa.