McCOOK, Nebraska -- Dr. Mabel Jean Schmer, 88, died Sunday (June 13, 2010) at the Community Hospital in McCook.

She was born in Denver, Colorado on Jan. 4, 1922 to John and Mabel Grace (Traut) Schmer. Her mother died in childbirth.

She returned to McCook to be raised by her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Traut and by her maternal aunts, Helen, Alice and Erma Traut.

She graduated from McCook Public High School in 1939. She received her Bachelor of Science (Education) Degree from the University of Nebraska in 1943 and a Master of Arts Degree in 1947. She participated in post graduate research in the Speech and Hearing Clinic at Ohio State University and was an audiologist at Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio from 1949-1954.

In 1954, she began a career in the Austin, Texas Independent School District as an audiologist and speech therapist. In 1972, Dr. Schmer earned her Ph.D. in school psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and she served as a licensed professional counselor for the Austin Public Schools until her retirement.

She was a member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Personnel and Guidance Association, National School Counselors Association, American Association, Texas Teachers Association, Texas Exes Student Association, Nebraska Alumni Association, NAACP, ACLU, Common Cause, Public Citizen, Smithsonian Institution, Metropolitan Museum League of Women Voters, and Democratic National Committee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and aunts.

She is survived by her friend Marcia (Stramel) Morell of Omaha, Nebraska.

A prayer vigil will be today at 7 p.m. at St. Alban's All Saints Chapel and the Burial of the Dead with Holy Eucharist will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Dr. Mary Hendricks as celebrant. Inurnment will be in St. Alban's Columbarium.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Herrmann Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.