Mary Fiala Schrum

Mary Fiala Schrum, 93, of Petersburg, Virginia, peacefully departed this life on July 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. 

Born in 1932 to Frank and Francis Fiala, Mary was raised in a humble home along the banks of Swift Creek, behind the site of what is now Heights Baptist Church. Proud of her Czech heritage, she spoke only Czech during her early childhood, the language of her immigrant parents. She attended St. Joseph Catholic School throughout her education while remaining a lifelong member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Mary’s family was among the seven founding Czech families of St. Ann’s, a heritage of faith that she treasured throughout her life. Growing up during difficult times, her family had very little, and she often recalled with gratitude how the Sisters of St. Joseph purchased her first pair of shoes when her family could not afford them. Those early experiences instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for faith, humility, perseverance, and hard work.

As a young woman, Mary married Wilbur Schrum, a salesman at Master Chevrolet in Petersburg. Through her marriage, she developed a special relationship with her mother-in-law, Bessie Schrum, whose values, wisdom, and outlook on life left a lasting impression on Mary and helped shape the woman she became.

Together, Mary and Wilbur built a loving family and welcomed three children: Laura, Robin, and Wilbur. Following the untimely passing of her husband from lymphoma, Mary was faced with the difficult task of raising their children as a young widow. With quiet determination and remarkable strength, she embraced both the roles of mother and provider, ensuring her family was cared for through every challenge.

Mary devoted her professional career to Fort Lee, where she faithfully served for many years before retiring as the Head of Civilian Pay. She earned the respect of her colleagues through her dedication, strong work ethic, and unwavering sense of responsibility. A cancer survivor, Mary faced one of life’s greatest challenges with the same quiet courage, resilience, and steadfast faith that defined every chapter of her life.

A devoted Roman Catholic, Mary’s faith was the foundation of her life. She remained faithful to attending Mass throughout her life and found joy in life’s simple blessings: tending her gardens of both vegetables and flowers, caring for her beloved dogs, enjoying classic westerns with her faithful companion Juju, and gathering around the table with family over seafood, especially blue crabs.

After the loss of her husband, Mary found love again with her longtime companion, George Fried. Their relationship spanned more than thirty years and brought not only companionship and happiness to both of them but also united their families in a bond that has endured through the years.

As Mary’s health declined in her later years, she was surrounded by the unwavering love and devotion of her family. Through the extraordinary commitment of her daughters, Robin and Laura, and especially the tireless efforts of her son-in-law, Tommy Barrett, who served as the driving force in coordinating her care and ensuring her daily needs were met, Mary was able to remain in the home she cherished for nearly all of her final years. Approximately two weeks before her passing, she transitioned to Dunlop House, where she continued to receive compassionate care while remaining surrounded by the love and support of her family. Their combined dedication and countless sacrifices allowed Mary to spend her final chapter with the dignity, comfort, and love that every person hopes to know.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wilbur Schrum; her longtime companion, George Fried; her parents, Frank and Francis Fiala; her sisters, Frances, Anna Mae, and Dorothy; and her brother, Sonny.

She is survived by her loving children: Laura Stevens; Wilbur “Will” Schrum and his wife, Vicky; and Robin Barrett and her husband, Tommy. She also leaves behind the children of her beloved longtime companion, George Fried: Pauline, George, and Libby, whose families became forever intertwined with hers through three decades of love and companionship. In addition, she is survived by her grandchildren, Benjamin, Mara, Tara, Ernie, and Travis; her great-grandchildren, Andrew, Katie, Sophie, Jackson Lee, Becky, and Chrissy; and her extended family and many dear friends who will cherish her memory for years to come.

Mary will be remembered for her resilience, steadfast faith, quiet independence, and unconditional love for her family. From a little girl who spoke only Czech and whose shoes were provided through the kindness of the Sisters of St. Joseph, she grew into a woman of remarkable strength, raising her family with courage, serving her community with dedication, overcoming cancer with grace, and living a life firmly rooted in faith. Her legacy will endure through the generations she loved so dearly and in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, determination, and unwavering devotion to those she held close.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Dunlop House, whose compassion and kindness brought comfort to Mary during the final days of her earthly journey. They also offer their sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff of ACG Hospice for the exceptional care, comfort, and support they provided to Mary and her family during this difficult time.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at St. Ann Catholic Church with Fr. Ernest Bulinda, celebrant. Interment will follow at Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. The family is being served by the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home.