Mitzi Schaden Tessier

A noted local historian and educator, Mitzi Schaden Tessier of Asheville, 102, passed away peacefully at the Brooks-Howell Home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Mitzi, the daughter of Beryl and Harry Schaden, was born in Sapulpa, OK, in 1924. She spent her early years in Tampa, FL, and the Garden District of New Orleans. She received a BA in Journalism from LSU in 1945. After WWII, Mitzi married Jack Sloan Tessier in New Orleans, and in 1953, the Tessiers moved to Asheville, where they became active at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. In 1970, Mitzi taught special education at Erwin High School. She also became the sponsor of the Erwin Cloggers, an award-winning clogging and square dance team. She took her team of boys and girls all over the country. For many of them, it was their first time out of the mountains. She later left teaching to create a clogging and square dance venue at Recreation Park called “Mama T’s in the Park,” a noted tourist attraction in Asheville for several years. In 1982, Mitzi put her love of history and writing skills to work by publishing Asheville - A Pictorial History. She spent months collecting pictures from library archives and local scrapbooks to create a coffee table book that told the story of Asheville from the 1700s to 1980. Ten years later, she wrote The State of Buncombe. A preservationist and visionary, Mitzi worked tirelessly to form the Asheville Urban Trail. As its resident historian, Mitzi wrote the scripts for the 30 stations along the trail. She has been recognized by UNC Asheville as an “Asheville Living Treasure” for her achievements in making the Asheville Buncombe community a better place to live. UNCA has recorded her stories for future generations. Mitzi will be remembered as a wonderful mother, loving wife, and a gracious lady with a remarkable, determined spirit. She has inspired generations, touched hearts, and helped us to understand the role we each play in our community. Her stewardship and commitment, whether to circles of dancing cloggers or weaving our heritage into our future, have made her a vital part of preserving the soul of our community. Mitzi is survived by her children, Beryl Tessier Moon (Cliff) of Seattle, Chuck Tessier (Karen) of Asheville, Mark Tessier (Gitte) of Remington, VA, Tim Tessier (Pam) of Columbia, SC, and 37 beloved grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and many other loved ones. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 223 Hillside Street, Asheville, NC 28801, on Sunday, August 2, at 2:00 PM, followed by a reception at the church. A gathering with the family will be held on Saturday, August 1, from 2 until 4 PM, at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue. Asheville, NC 28801 In honor of Mitzi, contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 223 Hillside St., Asheville, NC 28801, or The Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County, 324 Charlotte St., Asheville, NC 28801.

Tributes

Mitzi Schaden Tessier

April 7, 1924 - July 28, 2026