Mariette Plante Schule

Mariette Plante Schule, born on May 12, 1924, in Fall River, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at 102 years of age on September 1, 2026, leaving a cherished legacy rooted in family, music, and a well-lived life across Massachusetts, Illinois, and Florida.

Mariette was the oldest of five children born to a skilled watchmaker, Ernest D. Plante, and a devoted homemaker, Anne-Marie (Gagnon) Plante. She grew up alongside her siblings, George, Paul, Nanette, and Pat, in a loving household in Fall River where her early love for music blossomed. Mariette pursued a dedicated musical education, achieving a proud milestone in June 1945 when she received her diploma from the Sherwood Music School, a historic Chicago-based institution.

Her remarkable musical talent led her to meet the love of her life while she was performing as a headliner at a nightclub in Aurora, Illinois. In April 1952, Mariette married Lyle L. Schule, and the couple later settled in DeKalb, Illinois, where they raised their two sons, Bradd and Grant.

Throughout her life, Mariette remained deeply devoted to the things that brought her joy. A gifted musician, she loved both playing and listening to classical music. She was a voracious reader and independent thinker who stayed engaged with the news and the world around her. She had a lifelong appreciation for the arts in all their forms, from music and literature to movies. French was her first language, and she delighted in sharing it with her grandchildren, teaching them words and phrases, and passing along a connection to that part of her heritage. Curious, disciplined, and fiercely independent, Mariette built a rich life around her family while always maintaining the interests, ideas, and passions that were uniquely her own.

In 1989, she and Lyle retired to a sunnier climate of Venice, Florida. In 1994, son Bradd moved his young family to Sarasota where they continue to live today, while son Grant continued to build his life and business in Hawaii, where he still resides and prospers today.

In 2016, Lyle and Mariette moved to the Aviva Senior Living in Sarasota to be closer to family, eventually living in all divisions of the community. Mariette's final journey took her to Benderson Rehab, where the staff completely adored her. Known for her flawless skin, she never looked her 102 years of age and constantly impressed her caregivers with her beauty, easygoing nature, kindness and especially her wit! Mariette never complained, deeply respected those who helped her, and brought joy to the clinical team with her sharp wit and playful sense of humor. Many of these same devoted caregivers had also looked after Lyle before he preceded her in death on August 8, 2018.

Affectionately known as the “Fun Gramma,” Mariette cherished time with her grandchildren, from their earliest years through adulthood. She shared with them not only her humor and affection, but the things she loved most: music, books, language, and a lifelong appreciation for learning. Her example encouraged those around her to read more, learn new things, play music, appreciate the arts, and remain curious about the world. In that way, so much of what Mariette loved continues through the generations she leaves behind. She will be forever remembered for her quick wit, musical spirit, independence, and absolute dedication to those she loved.

Mariette is survived by her sons, Bradd (Sally) and Grant (Maria); her beloved grandchildren, Maia (Philip) Knudsen-Schule, Kaylea (Grant) Blumberg, Tyler (Darian) Schule; her nieces and nephews, Sandra Bickford, Scott (Gloria) Bickford, Jordan (Linda) Plante, Patrice (Mark) Hileman, Lee Ann (Dana) Lyons, and Danielle (Dave) Rogers, and many other extended family members and friends.

Mariette will be laid to rest alongside her loving husband, Lyle, in the Peace Mausoleum at Venice Memorial Gardens. The family will privately hold services and remembrances.

The clinical team at Aviva’s-Benderson Rehabilitation Center took wonderful care of both Mariette and Lyle for the past ten years, holding a special place in their hearts and the hearts of the family. Should read: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Aviva Senior Life, 1955 N. Honore Ave, Suite B1, Sarasota, FL 34235. https://foundation.avivaseniorlife.org/ways-to-give 941-724-8804

For those wishing to send a card, condolences may be mailed to The Schule Family, 7509 49th Ave East, Bradenton, FL 34203.