Mary (Schneider) McLellen
Jan 6th 1958 - Feb 6th 2010
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Frank Luter
February 16th 2010
I would have like to know Mary. She seemed to be a wonderful Gal. Blessings to the family. I truly enjoyed reading about her life. Our love to Jeff & Julie
Ray Schneider
February 14th 2010
My dear sweet sister Mary,
So many good memories. We had many recreational pursuits as kids and you were always game (remeber using the sidewalk blocks as boardgame spaces, making up our own boardgame?).
Living in Connecticut when you and Mike as newlyweds lived in Delaware was great as we were able to do weekend visits with eachother (loved that Thanksgiving turkey in a paper bag, delicious!). Then we all moved back to Michigan within the next two years.
In 1998 I moved to Grand Rapids and found an apartment only one mile from your house. It was so nice to have you so close! By moving to GR I was able to see more first hand the love and devotion you had to your family and the deep love they had for you. I remember Christin and Jenny as teenagers plopping down on the couch next to you and putting their head on your shoulder, it was so heartwarming to see such love.
Mary, I am forever grateful for the love and concern you had for me at a very low point in my life. We met for lunch, it was August 2000. I shared with you issues I was struggling with. Your encouragement and advice led me to make some decisions that resulted in a major turning point in my life and got me back on track, as they say.
Mary, Evan loved his Aunt Mary. He always enjoyed your babysitting him. When he sees a picture of you he either says "Aunt Mary, pink hat" or "Aunt Mary, no pink hat".
What a sweet sister you were, Mary. I miss you very much. And I will miss calling you "Mare", "Mare Bare", or "Meah Beah". Yet I am happy you rest in peace and your soul rejoices in heaven!
I love you Mary,
your brother Ray
Jenny Zackrison
February 12th 2010
I had the privilege of meeting Mary in October of last year and I had the honor of seeing her in Out-Patient Physical Therapy 2 afternoons every week. She always came in with her amazing smile, beautiful personality, and excellent attitude... no matter how she felt that given day. And she remained strong and motivated until the very end.
Mary was extremely proud of her family and spoke often of Mike and her kids and grand-daughter. I enjoyed sharing life stories with her, some silly and some serious. Mary taught me alot about life and love and grace and dignity. I didn't know her very long, but I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to meet such an amazing woman.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mary's family. Comfort each other and love each other just as Mary would want you to. You now have an Angel watching over you and she will be with you wherever you go.
Deb Mercer
February 12th 2010
When Anita first introduced to me to Mary, I told her what a beautiful new friend we will have to share. Her smile was one in a millon and her spirit was the kind everyone should have. We enjoyed a few times together and the last one with the Diane Z group was when we celebrated Christmas at Kathy's daughter's home. So young to leave us and I will never understand but for some reason the good Lord needs some very special people up there lately. The great memories you will always have as she was one VERY SPECIAL LADY. Will miss you Mary, but we will meet again.
Jeff Schneider
February 12th 2010
My dear sister Mary,
I cherish the memories of your life sis. When we were kids you were always willing and loved to “play.” Tag, red-rover, eniee-i-over, board games, baseball, riding bikes, sledding, and who could forget “Scream Bloody Murder” in the basement storm cellar! Just playing . . . we had so much fun. And as has already been mentioned, you loved boys! I think Mom and Dad said you were “boy crazy” and I can recall at least a few times overhearing them talk to you about that (not that I was trying to listen).
When you, Jan, and I were all at LCC together Mike saw me and you in the cafeteria one day and thought to himself, “Wow, I’d like to meet that girl but she has a boyfriend!” When Mike found out that the “supposed” boyfriend was a brother, he was ecstatic! Then when you and I met up one day in the MSU Library, my Julie saw us together and thought you were my girlfriend! I’m glad we got that all straightened out! :)
I remember going to the record store with you to buy albums (you liked to shop for anything), taking you to McDonald’s for your 6 a.m. shift, and the Earth, Wind & Fire concert (you loved Disco). I treasured lunch with you at Ruby Tuesdays, the Rodney Atkins concert with you and Mike last summer, and the Cancer Walk last October. You loved people and always took an interest in others.
Mary, I loved your smile, sense of humor, positive spirit, and deep faith. I admired how this past year you wanted to grow in your relationship with God. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” You lived that verse out Mary, and I will always think of you now when I read it. I miss you already and know in my heart that Jesus has welcomed you "home." I will always love you “Mare Bear.”
Love,
Your brother Jeff
Steve Havlik
February 11th 2010
My favorite memories of Aunt Mary is of her as a person. I've never once heard her talk down on anybody. I hope that I could be half the person she was. A caring, loving, beautiful person. I will miss you.
Love,
Steve
Mary Ramos A.
February 11th 2010
To Jen, Gerard, Amelia Rose, and all the family members of wonderful Mary, please accept our condolences. You are in my prayers. Mary Ramos A., San Antonio, Texas
Denine Ike
February 11th 2010
My little sister Mary,
Growing up with you was wonderful! you were the cutest little brown eyed girl. I remember teaching you to ride your first two wheel bike--up and down the sidewalk we went! I remember you and Jan babysitting David for us after you got out of high school, I remember when you started working and I taught you how to count change. I remember when you and Mike, Connie & Gary and Dave & I went out for new years eve at Dooley's and drank and danced the night away. How about the times we went to silver lake and rode on the dunes and camped and had sooo much fun!
You were only 14 yrs. old when we married and you looked so lovely in your bridesmaid dress. Shopping and stopping for coffee, laughing so hard at all the parties we had. Going up north to Tina's cottage all six of us sisters and having a wonderful time together. Mary you were so strong and beautiful thru this ordeal, I remember Mike saying you were beautiful with or without hair. Thank you Mike for loving our sister and being with her throughout her journey in life. We are so proud of you and Christin,Jenny and Ian. We love you all and always will.
Dear Mary, I will miss you everyday and never forget you.
Love Denine
Tina Simon
February 11th 2010
Miss Mare,
I thought you would be here for a little while longer but that was not in God's plan for you. My heart aches and I long to give you a big hug and tell you how very much I love you and how much I am going to miss your sweet face and endearing smile. You were so brave during this tough battle. I just wanted to laugh when you said that needles bothered you yet you had no reservations about hopping into an MRI machine, or wearing that crazy radiation mask for your treatments. You truly were the ideal patient. You handled every thing that was thrown at you with such dignity and grace though at times must have been unbearable. I am so glad that you felt that could lean on me when the news was not good. That is what big sisters are for. I will always cherish those moments even though they were so tough. You truly are the strongest person I have ever known and I am honored that God allowed me to have you as a sister. I am a better person for knowing and loving you. Your loving spirit will live on in all of us for the rest of our days until we will all be together again in God's safe and gentle Hands. Thank you my sweet sister Mary for being such an inspiration. Love you forever, Teen :)
Lupe Ramos-Montigny
February 11th 2010
Mary and I have one precious little girl, Amela Rose, that will bond us for eternity. We are the two proud grandmothers! We waited impatiently outside the delivery room just nine months ago and were overwhelmed when we saw our grandbaby with all that black hair! I will work hard to be the best grandmother possible with Mary's counsel always on my mind; which was "just do it, you know more then Jen and Gerard." It was indeed a blessing for our paths to have crossed. May she rest in peace until we meet again.
Kathy (Schneider) Juntunen
February 11th 2010
I have many good memories of my sweet sister, Mary. I admire her for everything that she was. I remember all of us shopping together at Knapps in downtown Lansing with Mom for school clothes, sledding, iceskating on our sidewalk on Baldwin Street, summertimes in the sandbox in our backyard @ riding around the block on our bikes. The many shopping trips continued throughout our adult yrs, when shopping with all of our sisters- it was hard to keep up with Mary-she was a mega-shopper! Her love of life and family was constant thru her life and when she was diagnosed. Her strength, courage, and gracefulness never faded. I will miss your beautiful face @ smile, and was proud to have you for my sister. love you forever, Kathy
Dori Ike
February 11th 2010
I remember hoping in Aunt Kathy's chevette with Christin (she was about 3 or 4), Dave, and you to see Uncle Mike play the bag pipes in Alma. Christin accidentally kicked the shifter in Aunt Kathy's chevette and we started going in reverse! Last February I came out to stay with Uncle Mike and you for a conference I had in GR. It was nice to spend sometime with Uncle Mike and you. I am so glad you drove out to Eaton Rapids this past November to see me in action (teaching) I was nervous that day, I just wanted everything to go well and it did. I remember you were pleasantly surprised I took the afternoon off to spend it with you as we grabbed lunch at Applebees and then coffee at Biggby, oh we shared a chocolate chip cookie too. You told me "it is important to treat yourself at least once a day." I kept the note you sent me on how much you enjoyed being in my classroom and I have the "live well, laugh often, love much" magnet where I can always see it and smile as I think of you. I miss emailing you everyday to update you on what is happening in my classroom, you always had the best advice for me. I will miss you Aunt Mary. It has been an honor to be your neice. I love you very much. :)
Eric Grost
February 11th 2010
So very sad to hear the news that one of our St Joe bretheren has left us. As I reviewed the pictures of St Joe 4th grade (thanks Michelle) I thought about the "family" that exists as a result of the efforts of so many wonderful people. Mary and I were in many of the same classes from 1st grade pretty much through high school. I don't think we would be considered close friends, but I am proud to say that she was my friend. We learned to read and write and yes PRAY together at St Joes and had the same teachers: Sister Fidelious, Mrs Bond, Mr Brigonti, Ms Sipkowski, Sister Edna, Mrs Hufnagle, Ms Huhn, and many others...We had GOOD teachers and I can remember them all.
It doesn't surprise me that she became a teacher and was able to give back to St Joes. What a wonderful gift it must have been to be able to give back like that. People like Mary weave the fabric of a community so strong and tight it can withstand the worst. Rest in peace teacher, Mary, and may your students carry on what you have started. My deepest condolences to your family from all of the Grosts.
Connie (Schneider) Ehlke
February 11th 2010
Mary always loved to get in the car and GO! So we went on a Road Trip the summer of ’09. The reason for the trip: to visit Mary’s nephew, my son Dan, up at Michigan Tech in the U.P. She always said, “I want to visit Dan, I’ve never been to Mich Tech.” So we left on July 29, 2009. We visited South Haven, Chicago, Racine Wisc, Milwaukee Wisc, Door County, and finally Mich Tech and Houghton. We bought jam made by monks at the Jam Pot, and saw some beautiful waterfalls in the Keewenaw Peninsula. Dan made us bean burritos, and we had a birthday party for him. We prayed at the Bishop Baraga shrine. We spent 2 nights on Mackinac, swam in Lake Michigan, and lunched by the water. We went through the Tunnel of Trees north of Petoskey, prayed by the big cross at Indian River. It was a wonderful trip, one I will never forget.
Mary, I can't begin to tell you how much I will miss you, your perpetual smile, your grace, your resilience. God's love shined through you and out into this world. I know you are very close still, just a thought away. I thank God I was blessed to have you as my sister.
Love for now and always,
Con
Jan (Schneider) Havlik
February 10th 2010
My dear sister Mary,
I sit here with a heavy heart and tears running down my cheeks, wishing you could still be here with us on earth. But I know that the life that is to come is the life that really matters, and you are living that glorious life now.
I've wanted to be like you and be with you as long as I can remember. We've shared a lot of fun and memorable times over the years - from Kwik Kook to McDonalds; the tennis team and the track team; disco dancing class and horseback riding class at LCC; young motherhood. Thanks, Mare, for being such a truly awesome sister. I will never forget you and I will miss you for the rest of my life.
Love, Jan
Molly Dahlgren
February 10th 2010
Mrs. McLellen,
I have never met a stronger woman. No matter what you were going through, your first care was always your students. You had an incredible ability of putting on such a big smile every morning when we walked into your classroom. Your energy and joy for life radiated from you, infecting everyone. 7th grade English was always fun when you were there.
I remember you always asked the girls how their "honey" was, and if I ever got in a fight with my friend, you were there to help us work it out. I also remember spelling tests, playing Clue, making my own book about kitties...it even had illustrations you enjoyed, and of course the Preposition song! Your class was where I met my best friend, where we laughed uncontrollably, and you laughed with us.
You put up such a good fight. At least we know now that you are in a good place, watching over us, and of course, smiling. May you rest in peace knowing that we will never forget you or you smile!
Rebekah Scofield
February 10th 2010
Mrs.mclellen was a great teacher to me and understood where i was coming from when my mom passed away from the same cancer that she had herself , she never just said she understood becuase she thought it would help she said it because she knew exactly what it was like . She always cared and always checked up on me and was always willing to help me when i fell behind and it never was a bother to her . She always cared about everyone else before her self , she dedicated her life and time to teaching us students even while she was battling cancer . Thank you so much mrs.mclellen. you mean so much to me and my family (:
You will be in my heart forever .
Erin Ellinger
February 10th 2010
Mrs. McLellen was my 7th grade LA teacher. She always wanted to know who your "honey" . You could always tell she cared about everyone. I remember she even came to the Barry County Fair. It was such a joy to see her then. She ment a lot to me and my siblings. She was a great teacher and a great person and will be greatly missed.
Helen Milanowski
February 10th 2010
I first met Mary through our mutual friend, Sue, who had taught with her in St. Johns. When Mike and Mary relocated to the Grand Rapids area Sue invited her to join us for Girls Night Out. We met up at Cheddars on a regular basis and enjoyed Lemon Chicken salads and much more. Mary soon became a dear friend--sweet, kind, always more interested in others than talking about herself. When she was diagnosed with cancer I was struck by her quiet courage and strong faith. It was a privilege to know Mary. I will miss her sorely and will be praying for her family.
Susan Varga
February 10th 2010
Mary, I will miss all our "girls night out" dinners and our weekly coffee to share news of our children and then grandchildren. Helen and I were waiting for you for one last dinner when shortly after the news arrived. Although we knew it would come some day it broke our hearts.You were a wonderful friend, a gifted teacher, proud of your family and you will be missed greatly. God Bless you. Sue
Lori (Smith) Knaus
February 10th 2010
My friendship with Mary began at St. Joe, Middle School and High School. All of my memories of Mary are wonderful. Mary was such a real friend. Everything about her was good and pure.We spent alot of time together. She was always at my house or I at hers.We always thought Wildcat Road was where all the cool girls lived! Before we could drive you would find us in the city on my tandem bicycle. When we decided to go out for the tennis team, it was a joke! Mary knew what she was doing I was there because Mary thought we could play and some cute guys also.
After High School Mary and I lost touch. Tim and I moved to Texas but then moved back to SJ. I then saw Mary at Clinton Memorial Hospital in March 1987 where we both gave birth to our sons the same day.
I prayed much for Mary when I heard of her cancer. God saw fit to take a wonderful lady home but I will never forget the memories or friendship I was so privileged to share with her.
Michelle LaBrie Feindt
February 10th 2010
Mary I forgot to leave m name on the message I just wrote about St Joe. Once again. You were a special lady!
February 10th 2010
I have been looking through picture albums and thinking of how long I have known Mary. Both our families attended St. Joseph Catholic Church as well as St. Joe school. There was always a special connection with our St. Joe bunch once we went on to public school. Mary was a very dear and loyal friend. She was always tall and as she wrote in my year book, She was the tree and we (her friends) were her branches. After high school we lost touch but both went into education. She actually started teaching at St. Joe in 2nd grade. We would see each other at class reunions and hug and talk and the years that we didn't see each other were just wiped away. It was fun to reconnect with her on a more regular basis after our 30 year reunion. Thank goodness for Facebook. She was a fighter back then. I realize how precious life can be, stay close to those you love, reconnect with long lost friends and always keep your faith. Mary you will continue to live on in the memories people will be sharing, through her husband, children and precious grandchildren. How fitting that you will be back at St Joe, in St. Johns for your final good bye. God Bless you Mary and let perpetual life continue to shine upon you!
Julie (Turini) Lehman
February 9th 2010
I will never forget the day I walked into St. Johns H.S. not knowing anyone. I had just moved to St. Johns from Marquette, MI. and it was the middle of my sophmore year. I truly believe God brought Mary into my life that day. She became a lifetime friend to me.
Mary called herself our tree among a group of friends (as she was taller then us) and we were her branches. In my year book she has a little drawing of a tree & branches.
We had great times in High School. Toilet papering, chasing boys, bike riding, long talks, the tennis team, chasing boys, shave creaming, Junior Senior war, being part of F.C.A., the Wheel Inn, Redwing Shop, Homecoming and did I mention chasing boys! She and I always laughed and talked about that.
I was also very fortunate to meet Mike and be a witness to their love story. Mike & I had lots of talks on my parents front porch about how much he loved his Mary.
I was a bridesmaid in their wedding and Mary was a bridesmaid in mine. We have celebrated many things together through the years.
In my H.S. yearbook something Mary wrote was that we had been through everything together. Well we sure have Mary.
This my forever friend I did not expect so many years ago when I read that. I did not expect to be by your side holding your hand like I did last week until after we grew very old together & talked about chasing those boys together and how we ended up with our true loves!
I am thankful for my faith that is helping me through this and knowing that you are in a far better place then we can even imagine. I know you are looking down on all your branches and watching over us. I love you thanks for being my friend.
Martha Quain
February 8th 2010
Our first meeting was on the tennis court playing during our high school years. Who would have ever known that opponents would become college roommates. I have some of my best memories of Mary from those years. I'll never forget the many phone calls and tears we shared while Mary and Mike were first joining their lives together. Even though we sometimes weren't able to stay as in touch as we wished, when we were together it felt as if not a day had passed between visits. How wonderful it was to be blessed with having such a wonderful friend in our lives.
Mike, we are thinking and praying for you and your family during this most difficult time.
Cynthia Tjoelker
February 8th 2010
Mary!! Wow. Where do I start??
Mary always cared about people and how everyone else was doing. She put others first. She liked to know about student's lives and their story and her students glowed in her interest. Today, one of my students said, "You know what Mrs. McLellen would have wanted?" I said, "What?" He answered, "She would have wanted all of us to have a day off and have a good time!!" I thought...Yes, she would have wanted that!!
Anyway, I can't write this without adding that she loved her coffee and she loved shopping!!! :)
Sallie Danneberger
February 8th 2010
My friendship began with Mary when we were sophomores in high school. Mary was always beautiful, both inside and out. Looking back, she seemed to carry a wisdom beyond her years. Fortunately for me, we always stayed in touch. I knew how blessed I was to call her my friend. As the years passed, we continued to spend time together, even though we lived nearly three hundred miles apart. Mike and Mary would drive to Ohio and we always had a wonderful time. Promises were made that we would get together soon and we always kept them. Mary, you will be greatly missed, but I know you are with us guiding us through......
Stephanie Vandor
February 8th 2010
I cannot even begin to list the amount of memories I have shared with Mary and her family. From my first interview at our middle school, to her taking me out for coffee to get to know each other, to [multiple] concerts, to my first Rodney meeting, to seeing plays, to going to piano bars, to parties at my apartment, to her daughter's wedding, to lunches in the summer, to dinners downtown, to coming with me to pick out a maid of honor dress for my sister's wedding, to crashing my car with her riding shotgun, to surprising her and Mike for their anniversary party, to teaching and planning with her...my memories of Mary never end....I cherish every one.
Peggy Pavlik
February 7th 2010
The few times I met Mary, I was always heartened by her courage and tenacity. From her pink baseball cap at Christin's swearing-in to the Bar to her beautiful dress at Christin's wedding, I was taken with her grace and composure in the face of her illness. I know her lovely family will miss her immensely, as will all who have been touched by her. My heart goes out to you all.
Frank Luter
February 16th 2010
I would have like to know Mary. She seemed to be a wonderful Gal. Blessings to the family. I truly enjoyed reading about her life. Our love to Jeff & Julie
Ray Schneider
February 14th 2010
My dear sweet sister Mary,
So many good memories. We had many recreational pursuits as kids and you were always game (remeber using the sidewalk blocks as boardgame spaces, making up our own boardgame?).
Living in Connecticut when you and Mike as newlyweds lived in Delaware was great as we were able to do weekend visits with eachother (loved that Thanksgiving turkey in a paper bag, delicious!). Then we all moved back to Michigan within the next two years.
In 1998 I moved to Grand Rapids and found an apartment only one mile from your house. It was so nice to have you so close! By moving to GR I was able to see more first hand the love and devotion you had to your family and the deep love they had for you. I remember Christin and Jenny as teenagers plopping down on the couch next to you and putting their head on your shoulder, it was so heartwarming to see such love.
Mary, I am forever grateful for the love and concern you had for me at a very low point in my life. We met for lunch, it was August 2000. I shared with you issues I was struggling with. Your encouragement and advice led me to make some decisions that resulted in a major turning point in my life and got me back on track, as they say.
Mary, Evan loved his Aunt Mary. He always enjoyed your babysitting him. When he sees a picture of you he either says "Aunt Mary, pink hat" or "Aunt Mary, no pink hat".
What a sweet sister you were, Mary. I miss you very much. And I will miss calling you "Mare", "Mare Bare", or "Meah Beah". Yet I am happy you rest in peace and your soul rejoices in heaven!
I love you Mary,
your brother Ray
Jenny Zackrison
February 12th 2010
I had the privilege of meeting Mary in October of last year and I had the honor of seeing her in Out-Patient Physical Therapy 2 afternoons every week. She always came in with her amazing smile, beautiful personality, and excellent attitude... no matter how she felt that given day. And she remained strong and motivated until the very end.
Mary was extremely proud of her family and spoke often of Mike and her kids and grand-daughter. I enjoyed sharing life stories with her, some silly and some serious. Mary taught me alot about life and love and grace and dignity. I didn't know her very long, but I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to meet such an amazing woman.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mary's family. Comfort each other and love each other just as Mary would want you to. You now have an Angel watching over you and she will be with you wherever you go.
Deb Mercer
February 12th 2010
When Anita first introduced to me to Mary, I told her what a beautiful new friend we will have to share. Her smile was one in a millon and her spirit was the kind everyone should have. We enjoyed a few times together and the last one with the Diane Z group was when we celebrated Christmas at Kathy's daughter's home. So young to leave us and I will never understand but for some reason the good Lord needs some very special people up there lately. The great memories you will always have as she was one VERY SPECIAL LADY. Will miss you Mary, but we will meet again.
Jeff Schneider
February 12th 2010
My dear sister Mary,
I cherish the memories of your life sis. When we were kids you were always willing and loved to “play.” Tag, red-rover, eniee-i-over, board games, baseball, riding bikes, sledding, and who could forget “Scream Bloody Murder” in the basement storm cellar! Just playing . . . we had so much fun. And as has already been mentioned, you loved boys! I think Mom and Dad said you were “boy crazy” and I can recall at least a few times overhearing them talk to you about that (not that I was trying to listen).
When you, Jan, and I were all at LCC together Mike saw me and you in the cafeteria one day and thought to himself, “Wow, I’d like to meet that girl but she has a boyfriend!” When Mike found out that the “supposed” boyfriend was a brother, he was ecstatic! Then when you and I met up one day in the MSU Library, my Julie saw us together and thought you were my girlfriend! I’m glad we got that all straightened out! :)
I remember going to the record store with you to buy albums (you liked to shop for anything), taking you to McDonald’s for your 6 a.m. shift, and the Earth, Wind & Fire concert (you loved Disco). I treasured lunch with you at Ruby Tuesdays, the Rodney Atkins concert with you and Mike last summer, and the Cancer Walk last October. You loved people and always took an interest in others.
Mary, I loved your smile, sense of humor, positive spirit, and deep faith. I admired how this past year you wanted to grow in your relationship with God. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” You lived that verse out Mary, and I will always think of you now when I read it. I miss you already and know in my heart that Jesus has welcomed you "home." I will always love you “Mare Bear.”
Love,
Your brother Jeff
Steve Havlik
February 11th 2010
My favorite memories of Aunt Mary is of her as a person. I've never once heard her talk down on anybody. I hope that I could be half the person she was. A caring, loving, beautiful person. I will miss you.
Love,
Steve
Mary Ramos A.
February 11th 2010
To Jen, Gerard, Amelia Rose, and all the family members of wonderful Mary, please accept our condolences. You are in my prayers. Mary Ramos A., San Antonio, Texas
Denine Ike
February 11th 2010
My little sister Mary,
Growing up with you was wonderful! you were the cutest little brown eyed girl. I remember teaching you to ride your first two wheel bike--up and down the sidewalk we went! I remember you and Jan babysitting David for us after you got out of high school, I remember when you started working and I taught you how to count change. I remember when you and Mike, Connie & Gary and Dave & I went out for new years eve at Dooley's and drank and danced the night away. How about the times we went to silver lake and rode on the dunes and camped and had sooo much fun!
You were only 14 yrs. old when we married and you looked so lovely in your bridesmaid dress. Shopping and stopping for coffee, laughing so hard at all the parties we had. Going up north to Tina's cottage all six of us sisters and having a wonderful time together. Mary you were so strong and beautiful thru this ordeal, I remember Mike saying you were beautiful with or without hair. Thank you Mike for loving our sister and being with her throughout her journey in life. We are so proud of you and Christin,Jenny and Ian. We love you all and always will.
Dear Mary, I will miss you everyday and never forget you.
Love Denine
Tina Simon
February 11th 2010
Miss Mare,
I thought you would be here for a little while longer but that was not in God's plan for you. My heart aches and I long to give you a big hug and tell you how very much I love you and how much I am going to miss your sweet face and endearing smile. You were so brave during this tough battle. I just wanted to laugh when you said that needles bothered you yet you had no reservations about hopping into an MRI machine, or wearing that crazy radiation mask for your treatments. You truly were the ideal patient. You handled every thing that was thrown at you with such dignity and grace though at times must have been unbearable. I am so glad that you felt that could lean on me when the news was not good. That is what big sisters are for. I will always cherish those moments even though they were so tough. You truly are the strongest person I have ever known and I am honored that God allowed me to have you as a sister. I am a better person for knowing and loving you. Your loving spirit will live on in all of us for the rest of our days until we will all be together again in God's safe and gentle Hands. Thank you my sweet sister Mary for being such an inspiration. Love you forever, Teen :)
Lupe Ramos-Montigny
February 11th 2010
Mary and I have one precious little girl, Amela Rose, that will bond us for eternity. We are the two proud grandmothers! We waited impatiently outside the delivery room just nine months ago and were overwhelmed when we saw our grandbaby with all that black hair! I will work hard to be the best grandmother possible with Mary's counsel always on my mind; which was "just do it, you know more then Jen and Gerard." It was indeed a blessing for our paths to have crossed. May she rest in peace until we meet again.
Kathy (Schneider) Juntunen
February 11th 2010
I have many good memories of my sweet sister, Mary. I admire her for everything that she was. I remember all of us shopping together at Knapps in downtown Lansing with Mom for school clothes, sledding, iceskating on our sidewalk on Baldwin Street, summertimes in the sandbox in our backyard @ riding around the block on our bikes. The many shopping trips continued throughout our adult yrs, when shopping with all of our sisters- it was hard to keep up with Mary-she was a mega-shopper! Her love of life and family was constant thru her life and when she was diagnosed. Her strength, courage, and gracefulness never faded. I will miss your beautiful face @ smile, and was proud to have you for my sister. love you forever, Kathy
Dori Ike
February 11th 2010
I remember hoping in Aunt Kathy's chevette with Christin (she was about 3 or 4), Dave, and you to see Uncle Mike play the bag pipes in Alma. Christin accidentally kicked the shifter in Aunt Kathy's chevette and we started going in reverse! Last February I came out to stay with Uncle Mike and you for a conference I had in GR. It was nice to spend sometime with Uncle Mike and you. I am so glad you drove out to Eaton Rapids this past November to see me in action (teaching) I was nervous that day, I just wanted everything to go well and it did. I remember you were pleasantly surprised I took the afternoon off to spend it with you as we grabbed lunch at Applebees and then coffee at Biggby, oh we shared a chocolate chip cookie too. You told me "it is important to treat yourself at least once a day." I kept the note you sent me on how much you enjoyed being in my classroom and I have the "live well, laugh often, love much" magnet where I can always see it and smile as I think of you. I miss emailing you everyday to update you on what is happening in my classroom, you always had the best advice for me. I will miss you Aunt Mary. It has been an honor to be your neice. I love you very much. :)
Eric Grost
February 11th 2010
So very sad to hear the news that one of our St Joe bretheren has left us. As I reviewed the pictures of St Joe 4th grade (thanks Michelle) I thought about the "family" that exists as a result of the efforts of so many wonderful people. Mary and I were in many of the same classes from 1st grade pretty much through high school. I don't think we would be considered close friends, but I am proud to say that she was my friend. We learned to read and write and yes PRAY together at St Joes and had the same teachers: Sister Fidelious, Mrs Bond, Mr Brigonti, Ms Sipkowski, Sister Edna, Mrs Hufnagle, Ms Huhn, and many others...We had GOOD teachers and I can remember them all.
It doesn't surprise me that she became a teacher and was able to give back to St Joes. What a wonderful gift it must have been to be able to give back like that. People like Mary weave the fabric of a community so strong and tight it can withstand the worst. Rest in peace teacher, Mary, and may your students carry on what you have started. My deepest condolences to your family from all of the Grosts.
Connie (Schneider) Ehlke
February 11th 2010
Mary always loved to get in the car and GO! So we went on a Road Trip the summer of ’09. The reason for the trip: to visit Mary’s nephew, my son Dan, up at Michigan Tech in the U.P. She always said, “I want to visit Dan, I’ve never been to Mich Tech.” So we left on July 29, 2009. We visited South Haven, Chicago, Racine Wisc, Milwaukee Wisc, Door County, and finally Mich Tech and Houghton. We bought jam made by monks at the Jam Pot, and saw some beautiful waterfalls in the Keewenaw Peninsula. Dan made us bean burritos, and we had a birthday party for him. We prayed at the Bishop Baraga shrine. We spent 2 nights on Mackinac, swam in Lake Michigan, and lunched by the water. We went through the Tunnel of Trees north of Petoskey, prayed by the big cross at Indian River. It was a wonderful trip, one I will never forget.
Mary, I can't begin to tell you how much I will miss you, your perpetual smile, your grace, your resilience. God's love shined through you and out into this world. I know you are very close still, just a thought away. I thank God I was blessed to have you as my sister.
Love for now and always,
Con
Jan (Schneider) Havlik
February 10th 2010
My dear sister Mary,
I sit here with a heavy heart and tears running down my cheeks, wishing you could still be here with us on earth. But I know that the life that is to come is the life that really matters, and you are living that glorious life now.
I've wanted to be like you and be with you as long as I can remember. We've shared a lot of fun and memorable times over the years - from Kwik Kook to McDonalds; the tennis team and the track team; disco dancing class and horseback riding class at LCC; young motherhood. Thanks, Mare, for being such a truly awesome sister. I will never forget you and I will miss you for the rest of my life.
Love, Jan
Molly Dahlgren
February 10th 2010
Mrs. McLellen,
I have never met a stronger woman. No matter what you were going through, your first care was always your students. You had an incredible ability of putting on such a big smile every morning when we walked into your classroom. Your energy and joy for life radiated from you, infecting everyone. 7th grade English was always fun when you were there.
I remember you always asked the girls how their "honey" was, and if I ever got in a fight with my friend, you were there to help us work it out. I also remember spelling tests, playing Clue, making my own book about kitties...it even had illustrations you enjoyed, and of course the Preposition song! Your class was where I met my best friend, where we laughed uncontrollably, and you laughed with us.
You put up such a good fight. At least we know now that you are in a good place, watching over us, and of course, smiling. May you rest in peace knowing that we will never forget you or you smile!
Rebekah Scofield
February 10th 2010
Mrs.mclellen was a great teacher to me and understood where i was coming from when my mom passed away from the same cancer that she had herself , she never just said she understood becuase she thought it would help she said it because she knew exactly what it was like . She always cared and always checked up on me and was always willing to help me when i fell behind and it never was a bother to her . She always cared about everyone else before her self , she dedicated her life and time to teaching us students even while she was battling cancer . Thank you so much mrs.mclellen. you mean so much to me and my family (:
You will be in my heart forever .
Erin Ellinger
February 10th 2010
Mrs. McLellen was my 7th grade LA teacher. She always wanted to know who your "honey" . You could always tell she cared about everyone. I remember she even came to the Barry County Fair. It was such a joy to see her then. She ment a lot to me and my siblings. She was a great teacher and a great person and will be greatly missed.
Helen Milanowski
February 10th 2010
I first met Mary through our mutual friend, Sue, who had taught with her in St. Johns. When Mike and Mary relocated to the Grand Rapids area Sue invited her to join us for Girls Night Out. We met up at Cheddars on a regular basis and enjoyed Lemon Chicken salads and much more. Mary soon became a dear friend--sweet, kind, always more interested in others than talking about herself. When she was diagnosed with cancer I was struck by her quiet courage and strong faith. It was a privilege to know Mary. I will miss her sorely and will be praying for her family.
Susan Varga
February 10th 2010
Mary, I will miss all our "girls night out" dinners and our weekly coffee to share news of our children and then grandchildren. Helen and I were waiting for you for one last dinner when shortly after the news arrived. Although we knew it would come some day it broke our hearts.You were a wonderful friend, a gifted teacher, proud of your family and you will be missed greatly. God Bless you. Sue
Lori (Smith) Knaus
February 10th 2010
My friendship with Mary began at St. Joe, Middle School and High School. All of my memories of Mary are wonderful. Mary was such a real friend. Everything about her was good and pure.We spent alot of time together. She was always at my house or I at hers.We always thought Wildcat Road was where all the cool girls lived! Before we could drive you would find us in the city on my tandem bicycle. When we decided to go out for the tennis team, it was a joke! Mary knew what she was doing I was there because Mary thought we could play and some cute guys also.
After High School Mary and I lost touch. Tim and I moved to Texas but then moved back to SJ. I then saw Mary at Clinton Memorial Hospital in March 1987 where we both gave birth to our sons the same day.
I prayed much for Mary when I heard of her cancer. God saw fit to take a wonderful lady home but I will never forget the memories or friendship I was so privileged to share with her.
Michelle LaBrie Feindt
February 10th 2010
Mary I forgot to leave m name on the message I just wrote about St Joe. Once again. You were a special lady!
February 10th 2010
I have been looking through picture albums and thinking of how long I have known Mary. Both our families attended St. Joseph Catholic Church as well as St. Joe school. There was always a special connection with our St. Joe bunch once we went on to public school. Mary was a very dear and loyal friend. She was always tall and as she wrote in my year book, She was the tree and we (her friends) were her branches. After high school we lost touch but both went into education. She actually started teaching at St. Joe in 2nd grade. We would see each other at class reunions and hug and talk and the years that we didn't see each other were just wiped away. It was fun to reconnect with her on a more regular basis after our 30 year reunion. Thank goodness for Facebook. She was a fighter back then. I realize how precious life can be, stay close to those you love, reconnect with long lost friends and always keep your faith. Mary you will continue to live on in the memories people will be sharing, through her husband, children and precious grandchildren. How fitting that you will be back at St Joe, in St. Johns for your final good bye. God Bless you Mary and let perpetual life continue to shine upon you!
Julie (Turini) Lehman
February 9th 2010
I will never forget the day I walked into St. Johns H.S. not knowing anyone. I had just moved to St. Johns from Marquette, MI. and it was the middle of my sophmore year. I truly believe God brought Mary into my life that day. She became a lifetime friend to me.
Mary called herself our tree among a group of friends (as she was taller then us) and we were her branches. In my year book she has a little drawing of a tree & branches.
We had great times in High School. Toilet papering, chasing boys, bike riding, long talks, the tennis team, chasing boys, shave creaming, Junior Senior war, being part of F.C.A., the Wheel Inn, Redwing Shop, Homecoming and did I mention chasing boys! She and I always laughed and talked about that.
I was also very fortunate to meet Mike and be a witness to their love story. Mike & I had lots of talks on my parents front porch about how much he loved his Mary.
I was a bridesmaid in their wedding and Mary was a bridesmaid in mine. We have celebrated many things together through the years.
In my H.S. yearbook something Mary wrote was that we had been through everything together. Well we sure have Mary.
This my forever friend I did not expect so many years ago when I read that. I did not expect to be by your side holding your hand like I did last week until after we grew very old together & talked about chasing those boys together and how we ended up with our true loves!
I am thankful for my faith that is helping me through this and knowing that you are in a far better place then we can even imagine. I know you are looking down on all your branches and watching over us. I love you thanks for being my friend.
Martha Quain
February 8th 2010
Our first meeting was on the tennis court playing during our high school years. Who would have ever known that opponents would become college roommates. I have some of my best memories of Mary from those years. I'll never forget the many phone calls and tears we shared while Mary and Mike were first joining their lives together. Even though we sometimes weren't able to stay as in touch as we wished, when we were together it felt as if not a day had passed between visits. How wonderful it was to be blessed with having such a wonderful friend in our lives.
Mike, we are thinking and praying for you and your family during this most difficult time.
Cynthia Tjoelker
February 8th 2010
Mary!! Wow. Where do I start??
Mary always cared about people and how everyone else was doing. She put others first. She liked to know about student's lives and their story and her students glowed in her interest. Today, one of my students said, "You know what Mrs. McLellen would have wanted?" I said, "What?" He answered, "She would have wanted all of us to have a day off and have a good time!!" I thought...Yes, she would have wanted that!!
Anyway, I can't write this without adding that she loved her coffee and she loved shopping!!! :)
Sallie Danneberger
February 8th 2010
My friendship began with Mary when we were sophomores in high school. Mary was always beautiful, both inside and out. Looking back, she seemed to carry a wisdom beyond her years. Fortunately for me, we always stayed in touch. I knew how blessed I was to call her my friend. As the years passed, we continued to spend time together, even though we lived nearly three hundred miles apart. Mike and Mary would drive to Ohio and we always had a wonderful time. Promises were made that we would get together soon and we always kept them. Mary, you will be greatly missed, but I know you are with us guiding us through......
Stephanie Vandor
February 8th 2010
I cannot even begin to list the amount of memories I have shared with Mary and her family. From my first interview at our middle school, to her taking me out for coffee to get to know each other, to [multiple] concerts, to my first Rodney meeting, to seeing plays, to going to piano bars, to parties at my apartment, to her daughter's wedding, to lunches in the summer, to dinners downtown, to coming with me to pick out a maid of honor dress for my sister's wedding, to crashing my car with her riding shotgun, to surprising her and Mike for their anniversary party, to teaching and planning with her...my memories of Mary never end....I cherish every one.
Peggy Pavlik
February 7th 2010
The few times I met Mary, I was always heartened by her courage and tenacity. From her pink baseball cap at Christin's swearing-in to the Bar to her beautiful dress at Christin's wedding, I was taken with her grace and composure in the face of her illness. I know her lovely family will miss her immensely, as will all who have been touched by her. My heart goes out to you all.
