Lucia Ann Bliss Schong

Lucia Ann Bliss Schong, 87, of Constantia, New York, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at home after a long and courageous battle with leukemia. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Utica, New York, on April 27, 1938, Lucia was the daughter of the late Adelbert and Margaret Haussler Bliss. A proud member of the Holland Patent Central School Class of 1956, she later became an owner-operator of M&L Express alongside her husband Dutch for 37 years. Known for her strong will and no-nonsense nature, she kept their yard meticulously maintained as its unofficial warden. Her greatest joy came from feeding the birds and deer that visited her yard daily.

Lucia’s vibrant personality was reflected in her many hobbies. She enjoyed working on crossword puzzles with a thesaurus close at hand, creating paint-by-number artwork, and assembling jigsaw puzzles. She cherished her nightly walks in the woods with her husband and their dog Chance.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Marinus “Dutch” Schong, Jr., her dog Chance, and cat Callie; daughters Tara (Kenneth) Drake of Constantia and Teresa (Humberto) Jackson of Elizabeth, New Jersey; grandson Jason (Jordan) Drake of Constantia; siblings Sally Fortino of Liverpool, Bill Bliss of Mena, Arkansas, and Mike (Kristie) Bliss of Jamesville; step-granddaughters Katherine (Christopher) Nichol of West Monroe and Mallory Drake of Syracuse; and great-grandson Jacob. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, in-laws Marinus Schong, Sr. and Winifred Schong, sisters-in-law Janita Bliss and Willie Schong, niece Diane Sullivan, and her beloved boxer Max.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by Kasandra Warren. In keeping with Lucia’s wishes, no formal services will be held. A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Cleveland American Legion.