Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/015/103777/103777-life-panel.jpg

Mary Ahrens

February 3, 1966 - December 1, 2014
Schoolcraft, MI

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/015/103777/103777-01.jpg



Visitation

Monday, December 8, 2014
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

Where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 PM.

Driving Directions

Service

Tuesday, December 9, 2014
10:30 AM EST
St. Monica Catholic Church
534 West Kilgore Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Following the burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, a luncheon will be held in the church hall.

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Children's Education Fund c/o Chuck Ahrens
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI

South County Community Services
105 S. Kalamazoo Street
Vicksburg, MI 49097
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/view-life-story-video.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/015/103777/103777-02.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/015/103777/103777-03.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/015/103777/103777-04.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/015/103777/103777-05.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/download-memory-folder.jpg
Print

It is in giving that we receive, and through Mary Ahrens' unwavering, giving heart, she considered herself blessed beyond compare. A patient and humble woman, Mary gave her all and then some, and never expected anything in return. She enjoyed the love of family, time with good friends, and a job which she truly loved. Mary touched the lives of numerous others in ways all her own. For these things and so much more, her heart lives on in the memories she leaves behind.

With the Vietnam War at it's peak in 1966, news of the day was filled with anti-war protests and the ongoing Space Race at a time when racial tensions soared. While young soldiers were at war overseas, the culture on the home front was swiftly changing course. The age of the hippie introduced "flower power" and the psychedelic scene, and mini skirts and the decade of the smiley face reigned. The game Twister and Hot Wheels became the favorite of children everywhere, while the first episode of Star Trek landed followers for years to come. Yet for Cornelius “Neil” and Mary (Serdel) Redmond of Kalamazoo, Michigan, the only thing on their minds was anticipating the birth of their first child, and on February 3, 1966, they were overjoyed with the arrival of their little girl, Mary.

The oldest of eventually seven children, Mary was later joined by her younger siblings, Theresa, Jim, Bridget, Neil, Steve, and Robert. Her father was a teacher at Hackett High School while her mother, a homemaker, looked after their bustling household. She helped with her siblings and excelled in her studies at school, but for the most part, Mary was a quiet, passive girl from her earliest years. She attended St. Monica's Catholic School and although she continued to keep to herself, she discovered her creative side during her youth. A very talented artist, Mary dabbled in painting, drawing, and calligraphy before graduating from Hackett High School in 1984.

Mary went on to further her education at Nazareth College where she received her Bachelors in Social Work in 1988. During these years, Mary began to spread her wings and became a little more outgoing. For a time she worked at Meijer as a pharmaceutical tech, and after someone noticed how incredibly good she was with customers, they suggested she put her educational talents to use. It was then when Mary began her career as a case manager with the State of Michigan in 1998. As an eligibility specialist, Mary's patient and resourceful demeanor was evident. She was very good with the families she served, and did whatever she could for them. This position was simply made for her, and she enjoyed her work immensely.

When Mary became a mother, nothing compared to her devotion and dedication. She was passionate about her children, and was their greatest supporter. Eric, Cheyanne, David, and Delanie were Mary's delight, as well as her beloved husband, Chuck. Mary and Delanie had a indestructible bond, and were nearly inseparable. She always encouraged Delanie to explore a variety of interests, such as learning Irish dance, cooking, painting beautiful works of art, jewelry making, and shopping. She also attended the kid's sporting events, and was involved in all their school activities.

Mary shared numerous memories with her family over the years. She especially loved spending time at their family cabin near Baldwin. Mary could sit by the campfire for hours where they enjoyed s'mores, the outdoors, and just being together. They also liked rock hunting at Lake Michigan. Mary absolutely loved the holidays, and treasured anytime she was surrounded by those she loved.

Another large part of Mary's heart were her canine companions, Rosie and Max. It all began when she found Pepper, a stray roaming the parking lot at work one day and brought him home, where he remained a loving member of the Ahrens' family for 13 years. Having been raised Catholic, Mary's faith was an important part of her life and she continued attending church. She even shared a special connection with her nephew Liam Brayman, as his godmother. She also tried her hand at gardening and was very inventive, like using old pallets as planter boxes. Her attempts at getting the kids to help gardening and raking leaves sometimes worked, but she enjoyed it just the same. She recently began canning jellies, and did some cooking and baking, like her delicious banana bread. Mary liked her chocolate, and a diet Coke was never far from reach.

Mary was an avid reader of biographies and preferred reading about those who rose from troubled times. When it came to TV, she and Delanie loved watching Grey's Anatomy, and especially HGTV. Mary was an accomplished home decorator, and gleaned many ideas from the show. She detested the colors black and white, and instead opted for vibrant, lively colors. From the different color palettes throughout her home to the colors of her nails, Mary loved color, and was particularly fond of anything purple. With her own love for jewelry making and knitting, Mary encouraged creativity within her girls. She taught them to crochet scarves and a few painting techniques, too. Shopping at Catherine's was one of Mary's favorite pastimes, as well as listening to some of her favorite music artists, like the Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, or Sawyer Brown.

A special woman in the hearts of many, Mary Ahrens made a difference. She made a difference in the lives of those she loved, served, befriended, and cared for. Unwavering in her tolerance, strength, and loyalty, Mary was a living example of kindness to all she met. Gone far too soon, she leaves much to be remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Mary Ahrens (Redmond), age 48, of Schoolcraft, died unexpectedly on Monday, December 1, 2014 in Kalamazoo. She was preceded in death by her father, Neil Redmond. Members of her family include her husband of 15 years, Chuck Ahrens; four children: Eric and Cheyanne Kalman, David and Delanie Ahrens; her mother, Mary Ann Redmond; six siblings: Theresa Redmond, Jim Redmond, Bridget (Tim) Brayman, Neil (Teresa) Redmond, Steve (Christina) Redmond, and Robert (Katie) Redmond; the father of Eric and Cheyanne, Doug Kalman; many aunts, uncles and cousins including special cousins, Debbie and Chuck Allman and 12 cherished nieces an nephews.

Visit with Mary’s family and friends while sharing refreshments on Monday, December 8, 2014, 5-8 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive; 375-2900 where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, 10:30 AM at St. Monica Church with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Those attending are encouraged to wear bright, cheerful colors in her memory. Please visit Mary’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory, photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be for her children’s education fund, c/o Chuck Ahrens or South County Community Services.

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/view-life-story-video.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/015/103777/103777-02.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/015/103777/103777-03.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/015/103777/103777-04.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/015/103777/103777-05.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/download-memory-folder.jpg