MARY LOU SCHAUB of Lake Leelanau
is a native of Leelanau County, a self-employed
house cleaner, and a former aide for handicapped
children.

Name: Mary Lou Schaub.

Town or township of residence: Lake Leelanau.

Resident of county since: “Forever. I was born and raised here.”

Birth date and place: Dec. 29, 1955, in Traverse City.

Occupation:  “I worked as an aide for handicapped children for about 20 years but now I’m a self-employed house cleaner. I also care for some elderly people who don’t have children locally who can help them. In the spring and fall, I also open and close cottages.”

Marital status (include children): “I’m married to a great guy, John; and our daughter, Emily, is a junior at St. Mary’s.”

You live in Leelanau County because: “There’s no greater place to be. And it’s not just because I was born and raised here and have such strong ties with my family and tons of friends.”

Last good movie you saw was: “I don’t get out to the movies a lot, but my daughter and I went to see Hairspray when it was in theaters and it was pretty good.”

Last good book you read was: “I’m just finishing A Corner of the Universe, by Ann M. Martin. It’s about a girl and her handicapped uncle.”

If you could trade places with one person for a day, that person would be: “I can’t think of anyone. I’m just happy being me and having such a wonderful family and friends.”

Things important to you that you have accomplished so far: “Raising a teen-aged daughter who’s so kind and has such a wonderful work ethic.”

What you hope to be doing in 10 years: “I hope to be doing what I’m doing right now – I love to be with people and help people. Maybe I’ll be collecting Social Security and kicking back more often with my friends.”

Things you lose sleep over: “It seems like I lose sleep over practically everything. Between 3 and 5 a.m. every morning I’m always waking up and thinking about all the things going on in my life.”

If you could change one thing in Leelanau County, it would be:  “Everything’s getting so big so fast in Leelanau County that I’d like it to slow down a little bit. People ought to chill out and enjoy the small town atmosphere.”

Favorite dessert is: “Cherry amaretto ice cream at the Leland Harbor House whenever we go there on our boat in the summer.”

Are you a coffee drinker? “Every once in a blue moon.”

Favorite place in Leelanau County is: “In the middle of Lake Leelanau, in the north end, boating, swimming and relaxing.”

If you had more time, you would: “Try to volunteer some more. I’d spend more time visiting with my senior citizen friends, or volunteering more often at school or church. I just wish I could do more.”

The words that best describe you are: “Dependable, caring, happy, and a little nuts, too.”