Mary Reichling

Mary Josephine Reichling was born on March 29, 1941 in Detroit Michigan, the oldest child of Clarence and Evangeline (Vollmer) Reichling. Her Father exposed her to music at a young age and the love of music was a passion that she had for her entire life. Along with her faith and music, family was an integral part of Mary’s life and she remained close to her brother Clarence until his death in 2021. She adored her two nephews William and Nicholas as well as her great nieces and nephews: Laci, Matilda, Colette, Arabella and William. Holidays and summers were special to Mary as it was a respite from her work and she could spend time with her family. Mary also enjoyed traveling, watching old movies and reading.

After completing high school, Mary joined the Sisters of St. Joseph at Nazareth in Kalamazoo, MI, where she remained a member until 2007. Earning a degree in education, she began teaching in several Catholic schools before becoming part of the Music Department at Nazareth College in Kalamazoo, where she taught piano and music courses through the 1970’s and 80’s. After earning a PhD in Music Education from Indiana University in 1991, Dr. Reichling became a tenured professor of music at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA, where she taught piano and music education, from 1991 until her retirement in 2019. She served as Coordinator of Music Education, supervised many future music teachers, wrote extensively about music education and the use of imagination with music, and received many awards including permanent professional certification in piano by the Music Teachers National Association. After her retirement, Mary returned to Kalamazoo, to be closer to her Michigan family and friends.

Mary died on July 4, 2023 after a brief illness. Her Wake will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 10 am and Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 am at Nazareth Center, 2929 Nazareth Road, Kalamazoo, Monsignor Michael Hazard presiding. Donations in Mary’s honor may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.