Maureen Julia Liebergen-Schmidt, of Ephraim, Wisconsin, and Hutchinson Island, Florida, passed away on January 6, 2026, after a courageous nine-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Maureen was a beloved wife, devoted and selfless mother, supportive mother-in-law, proud grandmother (Babcia), sister, aunt, and dear friend whose absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.
Maureen was born on November 4, 1947, outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Maurice Wachtl and Dolores (Koppa) Wachtl, the eldest of four children.
Maureen had a unique way of making everyone feel special and truly seen. Her boundless energy, genuine curiosity, kindness, and radiant smile were her hallmarks. Even in life’s most challenging moments, she found a way to focus on the positive and shine brightly. Those who met her—even briefly—often remarked on her warmth and natural glow.
Her selflessness was evident throughout her life. As a homemaker, she was deeply involved in and supportive of her daughters’ lives. Later, she lovingly cared for her husband David during his journey with brain cancer. The strength she developed during these years shaped the resilient fighter her family so admired.
Maureen’s independence and adventurous spirit led her to find love again with Robert Schmidt. Together, they shared an active and joyful life—traveling the world with friends, navigating multiple states to celebrate milestones, big and small, with the grandchildren, and creating welcoming homes in both Florida and Wisconsin. These places, filled with laughter and love, gifted her family with memories and the opportunity to carry-on traditions for years to come.
From walking 18 holes on the golf course to long bike rides (or quick trips to the post office), hours spent around the mahjong table or with her P.E.O sisters, to wholeheartedly supporting her grandchildren in person at whatever activity they pursued at any given moment, to peaceful lakeside sunset meals, Maureen cherished every opportunity to be with those she loved most.
Maureen is survived by her daughters, Sarah (Sean) McCabe and Emily (Matthew) Pierre; her stepchildren, Paul (Mary Catherine Berner) Schmidt, Joseph (Susie) Schmidt, and Margaret (Brendan) McDermott; her grandchildren, Josephine, Julia, and Sean McCabe; Elise and Lena Pierre; and Ella, Evan, Gavin, Caroline, Elizabeth, Emma, Abigail, and Katherine Schmidt; her siblings, Mary Pappalardo, John (Corky) Wachtl, and Tim (Darlene) Wachtl; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, David Liebergen and Robert Schmidt, and her parents, Maurice Wachtl and Dolores (Koppa) Wachtl.
Rest in peace, Maureen. God be good to you forever.
A Celebration of Life for Maureen will be held in Vero Beach, FL in late January and in Green Bay, WI this summer.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either of the foundations below. During Maureen’s most difficult days, she showed her selflessness by thinking about the young children enduring similar pain and she hoped they would find comfort soon.
– Breast Cancer Research Foundation: https://www.bcrf.org/
– National Pediatric Cancer Foundation: https://nationalpcf.org/