Mrs. Wilhemina Cora (Busen) Schwendeman, 96, departed this life on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Onancock. Wilma was born in Loose Creek, Mo., on April 30, 1926.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Busen and Mary Senevey; seven siblings, including her twin brother, Bill Busen; son, John Roger Schwendeman; and her beloved husband of 75 years, Arthur Joseph Schwendeman. She is survived by her children, Judy Fahrenholz (Chuck), of Hickory, N.C., Susan Beebe (Bob), of Sevierville, Tenn., Kevin Schwendeman, of North Brunswick, N.J., Artie Schwendeman (Lynn), of Melfa, and Bill Schwendeman, of Melfa; daughter-in-law, Kathy Schwendeman, of Harborton; sister, Peggy Perrey, of Jefferson City, Mo.; brother, Ronnie Senevey, of Oregon City, Ore.; seven grandchildren, Charlie Fahrenholz (Jenny), Todd Fahrenholz (Carie), Erin Richmond (Greg), Clif Beebe, Joey Schwendeman, Tracy Lunn (Donnie), and Kristin Farber (Zac); and five great-grandchildren, Alexis Fahrenholz, Hannah and Zachary Richmond, and Jacob and Ben Farber. She also leaves behind special friends, Betsy Phillips, Denise Harding Hildur Boyd, and many friends at the Commonwealth Senior Living on the Eastern Shore, in Onancock, all of whom will miss her cheery greetings and green thumb.
Before her marriage to Arthur, Wilma worked as a welder to support the WWII effort, earning her the title of “Willie the Welder.” After moving to New Jersey as the bride of an Army Air Corp pilot, she became a homemaker and mother to six ensuing children, tirelessly cooking, sewing, chauffeuring, and encouraging them in their many endeavors.
Wilma and Artie wintered in Florida for 33 years where they enjoyed boating, hiking, working on trail maintenance for the Florida Trails Association, and hosting many winter-weary friends and family from up north.
Wilma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was known for her quiet, warm personality, never meeting a stranger. Her sewing skills brought her recognition, especially for her beautiful quilts which cover her family and friends with love in every stitch.
She left us all with happy memories of her delicious meals, adventurous spirit, and loving heart. She will be forever missed.
The family will gather privately to celebrate Wilma’s life. Should friends desire, contributions in Wilma’s memory may be made to your local fire department or favorite charity.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.
