Mary Elizabeth Wilson

Mary Elizabeth (Schaffeld) Wilson, 96, of Homedale, Idaho, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and closest friends.

Mary was born at home in Oklahoma, on December 19, 1929, the second of ten children of German immigrants Henry and Adele Schaffeld. She spoke only German until she started school. When Mary was 7, the family moved to Vale, Oregon, where she spent the rest of her childhood. Being part of such a large, lively family shaped the warm, fun, and generous spirit that became her hallmark. From the moment you met Mary, she welcomed you with open arms and immediately made you feel right at home.

After graduating from Vale High School, Mary married her beloved husband, Harold Wilson, on October 21, 1949. In 1963, they moved their growing family to Homedale. Over 67 years of marriage, they built a life and a home defined by love, laughter, and unmatched hospitality. Whether she was hosting Sunday dinners, backyard barbecues, barn dances, or church events, Mary's door was always open, and there was always a place at her table.

Her talents and grace reached every corner of her life. An accomplished seamstress and hostess, Mary was famous for her homemade caramels, canned goods, pickled vegetables, and wild game jerky. In 1956, at age 26, she was first runner-up for Mrs. Oregon, competing as Mrs. Malheur County. In 1967 she was named Mrs. Congeniality at the Mrs. Idaho pageant, a stage that would honor her again 45 years later. She served alongside Harold as Homedale's gracious First Lady during his four-year term as mayor. Mary was also an active member of the St. Hubert's Altar Society and the Beta Sigma Phi sorority.

Mary's passion for her community showed everywhere in Homedale. She spent countless hours beautifying local parks, the public library, and other public spaces. She also loved making new friends while working as a welcoming hostess at local wineries. A gifted gardener with a deep love of flowers, she brought beauty wherever she went. In recognition of her extraordinary dedication, the Mrs. Idaho America pageant honored her with the Heart of Idaho Award in 2012 for her hundreds of hours of community service.

Above all, Mary's greatest joy was her family. She spent endless hours in the stands cheering on her children and grandchildren at football, baseball, basketball and volleyball games, wrestling matches, and track meets. Holidays in her home were extraordinarily special; she went all out to make every gathering unforgettable.

Mary was a beautiful example of faith, generosity, service, and unconditional love. Her warm smile, good humor, genuine interest in others, and welcoming heart left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on in her family and in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered forever.

Mary is survived by her children: Tim (Lori) Wilson of Wilder, Idaho; Sue (Dwight) Uhlenkott of Wilder, Idaho; Jeff (Sandy) Wilson of Goodyear, Arizona; Scott (Shellye) Wilson of Homedale, Idaho; Lisa Edens (Jim) Manion of Mesa, Arizona; and Eric (Tina) Wilson of Homedale, Idaho. She is also survived by her sisters, Franny Walsh of Great Falls, Montana; Agnes "Aggie" Thompson of Roseville, California; and Gert DeLong of Vale, Oregon. Mary was so proud of her 24 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Harold; her daughter, Chris Nash; her sons, Steve and Matt Wilson; her grandchildren Anthony Wilson, Elizabeth Nash, and Ryan Leigh Manion; her parents, Henry and Adele Schaffeld; and six siblings.

A viewing and Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, and a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, both at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1122 W. Linden St., Caldwell, Idaho. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass at the Txoko Ona Basque Center, 333 S. Main St., Homedale. Burial will be private.

Services are under the direction of Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. Luke's Hospital in Boise and Horizon Home Health & Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

In honor of Mary's many years of service to the Homedale community, memorial contributions may be made to the Gypsy Jackson Memorial Library, PO Box 1087, Homedale, ID 83628. Good job Mary!