Mila E Schneider

Celebrating the Life of Dr. Mila Espinosa Schneider

Dr. Mila Espinosa Schneider, beloved mother, teacher, wife, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was 81 years old and lived a beautiful life that touched many in Tacoma, Washington, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mila was born on November 3, 1943, in Cavite, Philippines, to her loving parents, Elena and Mariano Espinosa, Sergeant First Class in the United States Army. The loss of her father when she was just sixteen had a profound impact on her, shaping her strength, independence, and a deep drive to uplift others through education and service. In the following years, her mother Elena, a tough and determined Filipina, managed rental properties in Tacoma with humility and financial wisdom, modeling the resilience and resourcefulness that would shape Mila's character.

After moving to the United States, Mila graduated from Pemberton High School in New Jersey. Her love of learning led her to earn a BA in Biology from Rocky Mountain College in Montana, a Master of Education from the University of Washington, and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Human Behavior from USIU.

Full of life, tiny but powerful, and always on the move, Mila embraced every day with energy and purpose. Extremely social and inclusive, she had a natural ability to make others feel welcomed and seen. She often went out of her way to include everyone in conversation, laughter, and celebration. Her gift for connecting with people helped her form lasting friendships wherever she went. She loved to dance, enjoyed meaningful conversations, and looked forward to dining out with family and friends. Her joyful spirit lit up every room she entered.

Mila dedicated her life to education and proudly served as a teacher and professor for over 50 years. She taught in Title I schools across Tacoma Public Schools at Willard, Berney, Mary Lyon, Jenny Reed, and Stewart, as well as at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle. These included elementary, middle, and high school levels. Later, she became a professor at Antioch University in Seattle and the College of Southern Nevada. Whether working with kindergartners or graduate students, she brought warmth, wisdom, and a deep belief in the potential of every learner. She always brought a sense of fun and meaningful connection, creating an environment where people felt seen, valued, and good about themselves. Mila officially retired three times, but her love for teaching kept calling her back. She simply could not stay away from the classroom and the students who brought her so much joy. She also passed her love of learning on to her children, supporting and encouraging each of them as they pursued and achieved advanced degrees of their own.

Over the years, Mila wore many hats. She was a licensed educator and clinical psychologist, held a principal credential, and became certified in real estate. She coached drill teams, advised student leaders, mentored new teachers, and played an active role in her union and community. Her very first job, helping repeal the Blue Law to allow Sunday alcohol sales, hinted at her lifelong passion for leadership and advocacy.

Mila is reunited with her parents and brothers Benjamin, Larry, and Roger. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Ronald Schneider, with whom she shared over 59 years of marriage. The two fell in love while studying at Rocky Mountain College in Montana, forming a lifelong partnership rooted in love, mutual respect, and a deep dedication to family. Together, they enjoyed raising their children, creating a home filled with lively discussion, family dinners, laughter, and unwavering support. Mila is also remembered by her children Mark (Monica), Tyson (Wendy), Maria (Gary), and Tony (Risa), and her grandchildren Dimitri, Adrian, Helena, Taylor, Aiden, Mason, and Elenarose. She is also survived by her dear sister, Myrna Villador, and brother-in-law, Orlando, and by many nieces and nephews who adored her, including Faith, Irene, Shirley, Ronald, Carolyn, and Mary Jane. Mila remains beloved by countless lifelong friends, uplifted by her warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit.

Mila's life will be celebrated at Davis Funeral Home in Las Vegas on June 14 at 1:00 PM.

The family would like to thank Traditions Hospice for their gentle care and the University of Washington and Fred Hutch Cancer Center doctors for their support.

Mila's warmth, strength, love of life, and generous heart will live on in the memories of all who knew and loved her.

A Special Note of Remembrance from Her Husband

Mila was the love and light of my life. Her laughter, strength, and boundless spirit filled our days with joy. She gave everything to her family and her students, and she gave everything to me. I will carry her in my heart forever.

- Ron Schneider