Winona “Jean” Schrieber
September 25, 1926 ~ September 22, 2021
A lifetime resident and servant to St. Louis, Winona “Jean” Schrieber began her formative years as an orphan residing at the St. Louis Girls Home. The loving care and giving spirit of the Protestant women who ran the St. Louis Girl’s Home were the example of service to community that inspired Jean to give back.
Jean entered the St. Louis Police Academy in 1951 a time when the department had no female officers. After 4 ½ years with the City police Jean changed departments and became the first female officer in the St. Louis County Police Department in 1957. During her tenure as police officer, she was able to balance between career and family, raising three children on her own.
Both the County of St. Louis and the State of Missouri have honored Winona “Jean” Schrieber with Proclamations for her community service and her trailblazing role in the St. Louis Police Community.
Jean retired from the county police after 22 years of service, but her service to her community didn’t stop after retirement. She continued to dedicate her life to serving the St. Louis Metropolitan area and the state of Missouri through volunteering.
Here are just a few of the volunteer “jobs” Jean held after retirement:
- For 20 years Schrieber volunteered at the Veteran’s Administration.
- She delivered Meals on Wheels for 20 years before she had to give up driving. (even while using her walker!)
- She volunteered at the riverfront in the St. Louis Visitor Center greeting visitors and promoting the city’s offerings.
- She was a volunteer driver many years for CORP (Saint Louis County Older Resident Programs) taking seniors to shop, to the doctor etc
- She was a volunteer usher at several of the local theaters.
- She volunteered at the St. Louis Zoo.
- She made weekly visits to local nursing homes to bring joy and give back rubs to residents who had no family or visitors. (even while using her walker!)
- As her final act of service, Jean has donated her body to Washington University for purposes of medical research.
Winona “Jean” Schrieber is survived by her daughter Nanci Schrieber-Smith of California and her son Jim Schrieber of Florida.
Jean was such a joy! I grew up on the same street and she was always known as “Juno’s mom” as she walked Juno every day around the block.
I had the privilege of meeting her in person several years ago, picking up canned food items for the Affton Christian Food Pantry. I also had the privilege of reacquainting my adult self with Ivan Mills, who lived next door to Jean and was a godsend to her.
Jean was a full-time “visitor” to Salem Lutheran Church in Affton, being more regular as a visitor than a lot of our members. After Jean’s furbabies were all gone, she still walked around the block; first with her cane, and then her walker.
She was truly an amazing woman and an excellent example of serving others, even using a walker.
Rest well, my friend. Walk freely!
Jean was such a joy! I grew up on the same street and she was always known as “Juno’s mom” as she walked Juno every day around the block.
I had the privilege of meeting her in person several years ago, picking up canned food items for the Affton Christian Food Pantry. I also had the privilege of reacquainting my adult self with Ivan Mills, who lived next door to Jean and was a godsend to her.
Jean was a full-time “visitor” to Salem Lutheran Church in Affton, being more regular as a visitor than a lot of our members. After Jean’s furbabies were all gone, she still walked around the block; first with her cane, and then her walker.
She was truly an amazing woman and an excellent example of serving others, even using a walker.
Rest well, my friend. Walk freely!