Mariella “Beanie” Kleinschmidt, age 67, of Woodstock, passed away Jan. 12, 2022. She was born on Dec. 29, 1954, in Woodstock, to Gerald and Geraldine (Dwyer) Donahue. She married Don Kleinschmidt on Nov. 5, 1982, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Crystal Lake.
Beanie grew up in Woodstock and attended St. Mary school; she graduated from Marian Central Catholic High School in 1973.
Beanie had a loving and caring heart. She took endless joy in raising her own children. She ran an in-home daycare for several years, and loved those children like her own. She was a proud Grandmother “Oleo-B,” known for late-night milkshakes and late-night TV, a loving wife to Don, and the sweetest dog owner to her “baby” Bailey. She spent the last years of her life caring for her mother, Geraldine, time she truly cherished.
Beanie was the life of the party – the last to arrive and the last to leave. You were lucky to be her partner in euchre, often on the winning team. Beanie had a deep connection to music; you could find her cutting a rug on the dance floor or belting out the lyrics to her favorite Tom Petty songs.
Beanie radiated light and warmth. To say she cared deeply for her loved ones is an understatement. She was empathetic, patient, and kind; a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. She never missed a birthday or a beat. She will be so deeply missed by all who knew her.
Beanie is survived by her loving husband, Don; children, Ryan (Jenny) Kleinschmidt, Heidi Kleinschmidt (Michael), and Julie Kleinschmidt (Nathan); her mother ,Geraldine; grandchildren, Connor and Abby Kleinschmidt and Jackson Cagala; brothers and sisters, Jerry “Mike” (Rose) Donahue, John (Denise) Donahue, Sarah “Sally” Schaefer, Lynn (Philip) Stewart, James Donahue, and David (Rhonda) Donahue; mother-in-law, Eloise Kleinschmidt; sister-in-law, Janet (Glen) Nesbo; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and her loving and faithful dog, Bailey.
She was preceded in death by her father, Gerald Donahue; her father-in-law, William Kleinschmidt; and her goddaughter, Jenny Schaefer.
The memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, from 10 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m. at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home 1211 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock, IL 60098.