Mary Jean Langdon, lovingly known as “Nonni,” passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, at age 72 in Schulenburg, after a courageous battle with colorectal cancer.
She was born on May 21 , 1953, in Rockford , Illinois, to Joseph Thomas and Rita Phyllis Eytalis. She lived in the Panama Canal Zone for 10 years, where she graduated from Balboa High School. She then moved to Texas, where she made her home and raised two daughters.
Mary Jean had a gift for making life feel special. Every holiday and birthday was thoughtfully celebrated with decorations, homemade meals and meaningful touches. She was incredibly creative, sewing everything from Barbie clothes to Halloween costumes. She loved crafting, cooking, libraries, bluebonnets, The Beach Boys, classic movies and crossstitch. She always thought of others first, had a wicked sense of humor, a remarkable vocabulary, and a love for sharing food, culture, art and music from around the world.
Above all, her greatest joy was her grandchildren. As their Nonni, she made life magical, filling their days with love, imagination and laughter. Her tall tales of being a gypsy, a pirate, a fortune-teller and an outlaw brought adventure and wonder to their world.
She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Schramek of Schulenburg and Carolyn Klam and her husband Jason of Dubina; her beloved grandchildren, Madison Klam, Caitlyn Klam, Brycen Schramek, Carson Klam and Brock Schramek; her brother, Joe Eytalis and his wife Sue of The Villages, Florida; her brother, Patrick Eytalis and his wife Julie of Pecatonica, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Mike Eytalis; and her sister, Maryann Eytalis Brodeur.
Per her wishes, a private family ceremony to scatter Mary Jean’s ashes will be held at a later date.