LEWISTON – Erna A. Schutt, 87, of Auburn, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Feb. 9, at CMMC.

Mrs. Schutt was born on March 22, 1918, the daughter of the late Oscar R. and Elsie M. (Scheibner) Hahnel Sr. She was a lifelong resident of the Lewiston/Auburn area. She attended local schools, graduating from Lewiston High School in 1935. She graduated from Bates College.

She married Kenneth Schutt of Lewiston in 1942. In addition to her career as a wife and mother, she was also the office manager for Hahnel Bros. Co. of Lewiston, for 40 years, the family business, until her retirement several years ago.

She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, where she served as the organist for 50 years. She was also a member of the Woman’s Literary Union. Earlier in life, she was an accomplished horseback rider and in later years enjoyed rug braiding and needlework. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her two great-grandchildren were the joy of her recent years.

She is survived by her daughter, Eleanor Sassano and her husband, Peter, of Poland; two grandchildren, David Sassano and his wife, Sheri, of Scarborough and Michael Sassano of Auburn; two great-grandchildren, Taylor Marie Sassano and Brian Sassano of Scarborough; a sister, Gladyse Donsbach and her husband, Weldon, of Connecticut; a brother, Oscar R. Hahnel Jr. and his wife, Julia, of Lewiston; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband in June 1979; and her parents.