Mary Schell

Mary Schell lived a life rooted in her Catholic faith and dedication to her family. She was hardworking and had endless energy with an outgoing personality and social spirit. Mary’s unshakeable faith and solid work ethic created a fierce spirit of determination for which she was well known. Dearly loved, Mary will be forever missed.

During the challenging years of the Great Depression, Fredrick and Amalie (Johner) Baensch of Toledo, Ohio, found joy in the arrival of their daughter Mary, born on August 10, 1935. Growing up in Toledo, Mary had many fond memories and shared a close bond with her two brothers, Richard and Bernard, whom she loved deeply and stayed close with throughout her life. Her father worked as a tool and die maker, while her mother ran the household with care, teaching Mary the importance of cleanliness, how to cook, and even a bit of German. As a young girl, Mary kept busy babysitting for families in the neighborhood on weekends. She attended St. Ursula Academy, a local Catholic all-girls school, and graduated in 1953. After high school, she studied at the University of Toledo and was an active member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Mary as she met the young man who would become the love of her life. His name was Dick Schell, and the two first met on a blind date, though they weren’t actually each other’s date. Mary and Dick shared an instant connection, quickly bonding over their social personalities and their Catholic faith. The rest was history, Mary and Dick were soon united in marriage, beginning the rest of their lives together.

In the following years, Mary and Dick were overjoyed to welcome their four beloved children, Sue, Pattie, Jennifer, and Rick, into their hearts and home. Mary embraced motherhood with devotion, ensuring her children were always cared for and never went without. While Dick pursued entrepreneurship and long work hours, Mary kept the household running with grace and efficiency. She was a master of stretching a budget, loved finding bargains during her "running" around town, and took pride in keeping an impeccably clean home. A talented cook, she spent hours in the kitchen preparing family favorites like sauerkraut, breaded pork chops, and liver and onions. Mary was also a warm and gracious hostess and loved to entertain and enjoyed monthly get-togethers with her friends playing bridge. Everyone who came into Mary’s home was greeted with a warm welcome and good food. This was something that brought her much joy and was one of ways she poured her love onto others.

Mary had a true talent for making every occasion special. She loved going all out for the holidays, filling her home with beautiful decorations and wrapping thoughtful gifts with great care. Summers were especially important to her, and she delighted in planning fun family vacations. Over the years, the Schell family made unforgettable memories traveling to places like Disney World, Florida, California, Hawaii, and Aruba. Closer to home, they spent many joyful summers at their cottage on Selkirk Lake in Shelbyville, Michigan, where days were filled with boating, sunbathing, and relaxing time together. Mary and Dick treasured these moments with their children and eleven grandchildren, and their annual corn roast with friends became a beloved tradition. In later years, they spent winters in Sarasota, Florida, where they welcomed visits from family and friends to their condo. Mary’s social nature flourished in this community as she joined the Red Hat Society, walked with friends, played occasional rounds of golf, and enjoyed time at the clubhouse and pool. She even earned bragging rights with a hole-in-one during one of her golf outings. Mary truly lived a vibrant and full life, filled with travel, tradition, and togetherness.

As we gather to reflect on the life and legacy of Mary Schell, it is easy to celebrate a woman so dedicated to caring for her loved ones. A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother, Mary was beloved by so many. Although she is already greatly missed, Mary leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold close.

Mary Schell of Kalamazoo, age 90, died on September 11, 2025. Mary was born August 10, 1935, in Toledo, Ohio to Fredrick and Amalie (Johner) Baensch who preceded her in death. Surviving are her children: Sue (Steve) Schroder, Pattie (Dave) Jaqua, Jennifer Schell, Rick (Tracie) Schell Jr.; grandchildren: Mitch, Haley and Evan (Elise) Schroder, Bethany (Kyle) Siebold, Derek (Alissa), Abby, and Maddy Jaqua (Keenan Hammer), Maggie and Sam Wesner, Jane and Kate Schell; great granddaughter: Remi Siebold; and 5 nieces and nephews.

Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 11am at St. Catherine’s of Sienna Church (1150 W. Centre Ave., Portage MI 49024) with visitation beginning at 10am. Burial will follow at South Portage Cemetery. A lunch will be held at Latitude 42 (6101 W Main St Kalamazoo, MI 49009) at 1pm. Celebrate Mary’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Crohnscolitisfoundation.org.