Annette Ely Schaumann
June 3, 1934 - November 25, 2025
Annette Ely Schaumann, age 91, of Hockessin, DE, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
A native of the Pennsylvania and Delaware area, Annette was born on June 3, 1934, in Scranton, PA–the oldest of five children to Dr. Jacob Owen Ely and Helen Skivington Ely. She graduated from Newark High School in Newark, DE in 1952, studied at the University of Delaware for two years of science, then attended Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York for three years where she received her Nursing degree. Annette then served in the medical field for a brief time before starting a family.
In July 1957, Annette married her childhood friend and sweetheart Erik Jefferson Schaumann, also from Newark. Life and career took them many places–Texas, New Jersey, Delaware, North Carolina, Delaware again–and they eventually settled in the Pike Creek area of Wilmington.
Annette was known for her numerous skills and passions: homemaking, being a dedicated mother to their four children, and serving as church office manager at Limestone Presbyterian Church, as well as genealogy research, antique collecting, church choir, and teaching ceramics. She and Erik loved sharing many of these interests, as well as camping, traveling, supporting their children’s activities, and entertaining family and friends in their home, and Annette typically had a puzzle in progress somewhere in the house.
One of Annette’s favorite things was an occasional cookie from Bing’s Bakery.
She is preceded in death by husband, Erik Schaumann; son, Mark Schaumann; grandsons, Michael Dodson, Jr. and Wilson Rogers; brother, Richard Ely; and brother-in-law, Dave Burkart. She is survived by siblings, Alan Ely (Grace), Janet Burkart, and Raymond Ely; sons, Paul Schaumann (Vorice) and Carl Schaumann (Beth); daughter, Lisa Rogers (Chris); grandchildren, Sheri Dodson (Michael), Paul Schaumann, Jr., Erika Gonzalez (Anthony), Perry Rogers, Cleo Schaumann, and Leif Schaumann; and great granddaughter, Layla Dodson.
All services will be held privately.
Ann Lewis
I have such fond memories of our time together in Newark High School. May you now rest well with Eric. My prayers are with your family. Ann Lewis
Sheri Lynn
I’ll forever miss you. 💜
Marlene Quinn
Hugs and prayers for the family. We have so many good memories of Annette and all the fun and laughter we shared as our infamous picnic group would gather. We also of course shared tears together too. But mostly it was good friends supporting one another as our kids grew up. I still have a few things I made while Annette was teaching us ceramics, my carolers will soon be out for Christmas decorations. Good memories of shared beach time. Love to you all as you celebrate her life.
Bonnie Haines
Condolences to all of Annette’s family. We are friends from Limestone Church many years ago and just
stayed friends as the years went by. Annette always seemed to be smiling and glad to see you. She was
a real go-getter and leaves earth a better place. Blessings to all.
Sheila & Adly Gorrafa
Annette was a sweet neighbor of ours in Cokesbury Village retirement community, with uninhibited warmth, radiating compassion and a comforting impish smile. We loved her.
Our condolences to the family.
Sheila & Adly Gorrafa
(Cokesbury Village)
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Sandy Troupe
I met Annette at Limestone Church when I first joined. As a former church office manager, she helped guide me as I began my role as an office volunteer. She was such a kind and pleasant person.
Joanne Lentz
Condolences to all of Annette’s family. Gene and I have many fond memories of the years we spent being neighbors with Annette and Erik on Bexley Court. Making ceramic items, quilting, sharing garden veggies and teaming with them with Presbyterian Marriage Encounter. Mark and Lisa also traveled back and forth to Clemson together. Our love to you all as you celebrate her life and please know that we share your grief.
Susie and Dave Esterly
May the love of Friends and Family give you special memories. We were blessed to have Annette as a neighbor for many years!
Susie And Dave
Rev. Dr. Lyle J. Dykstra, Limetone's Pastor 1988-2002
Annette was Office Manager during my years as pastor. She did excellent work at staying on top of many details. At our weekly staff meetings I could count on Annette to inform of us of what was coming up in church life. She was warm and friendly to everyone who came to the office. I appreciated her many gifts.
Your family’s memories of Annette’s many loving and caring ways will continue to be a blessing to you.