Maria Kathleen Schroeder-Verbeck

Maria Schroeder (Lump Lump)-Verbeck (Mimi), age 60 of Apache Junction, Arizona unexpectedly completed her journey in this world on January 26, 2021. She was born in Los Angeles, California on September 20th, 1960 to Larry and Margaret Schroeder. Maria married her best friend the late Mark Verbeck on December 28th 1991 and shared raising his son and daughter.

Maria was born in southern California, spent her childhood in Los Angeles, her youth in West Covina, she graduated from Edgewood High School in 1978 and went on to complete her education at California State University – Los Angeles. Attaining her bachelor of science in criminal justice, emphasis in health and safety in 1986. While attending high school and college Maria started her community services as Jr. Volunteer at Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina, an avid leader in girl scouts, volunteer and coordinator for Special Olympics, victims advocate at Queen of the Valley, went on to Jr. Woman’s Club of West Covina as President, eventually the Woman’s Club of West Covina.

Accomplishments: clubwoman of the year GFWC West Covina Juniors (1988), recipient of CSULA Senior Community Crime Prevention Award (1985), nominee for Citizen Of The Year For City Of West Covina 1981, this was just the beginning.

After Maria married her husband, they soon moved to Modesto of northern California. Maria started at doctor’s hospital, legal clerk at Stanislaus County Sheriff Department, eventually landing at city of Stockton Police Department. Maria started in police records, ended up as community service officer before retiring in 2016.

While working Stockton police department, Maria was deeply involved with ovarian cancer alliance, the Salvation Army Corp, while donating her time to many other organizations.

Soon after retiring, Maria moved to Apache Junction, Arizona to be closer to her kids and grandchildren.

Survived by sister Barbara, brother Loren; nephew Samuel, brother Michael; niece Stephanie and great- niece Cody. Mother-in-law Marcia, son James and Kelly; grandchildren: Kennedy, Khloe, Evan, Kaylee, Kyleigh, and Kyle. Daughter victoria and James; grandchildren: Madison and Christina. Brother-in-laws; mark, rod and Margaret, Bruce and Renee, David and Colleen, Gerald and Angela.

Maria was a kind and selfless woman who always went out of her way to help others. Maria was a warrior and suffered in silence. She will be dearly missed.

The family is planning a rosary and mass Friday, February 12th, 2021. Starting 10:00 am at St. George’s Catholic Church, Apache Junction, Arizona.