Mary Ellen (Davies) Hammerschmidt

Dec 11, 1919 - Jan 31, 1974

NILES - Mrs. Mary Ellen Hammerschmidt, 54, of 2615 Weaver Rd., was found dead in her bed about 7:30 p.m. Thursday, in what police have termed an apparent suicide. She was the wife of Bruce Hammerschmidt, a South Bend attorney. Officials said he was in Colorado on a skiing trip, but had been located and is returning to Niles.

The body was discovered by a neighbor, Samuel Dunnuck Jr., who notified state police at the Niles Post. Officers said Mrs. Hammerschmidt apparently had attempted to slash her left wrist, though the wound was not deep. Police also noted that an empty prescription bottle was found near the bed. A suicide note was found on a dresser, according to police.

Dr. John Bruni, deputy medical examiner for Berrien County, said death probably occurred Wednesday night. An autopsy was to be performed today to determine the exact cause of death. A sister of Mrs. Hammerschmidt became suspicious when she failed to contact the woman by telephone, and she asked Dunnuck to check the house. Dunnuck told officers that he found the telephone off its hook.

The body was taken to the Halbritter Funeral Home, and arrangements will be handled by the Welsheimer Funeral Home in South Bend.

Sources: Ancestry.com, Legacy.com and FindAGrave.com

11/11/2025 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/161931494/mary-ellen-hammerschmidt