Mary A. Schell
October 16, 1931 - March 18, 2015
Obituary
Schell, Mary A.
MONONA - Mary A. Schell, a beautiful, strong and kind woman who lived her life with laughter and love, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. Mary was born on Oct. 16, 1931, in Hillsboro, Wis., the daughter of Louis and Julia (Novy) Vlasak. Throughout her life she had a very close relationship with her two brothers, Bob and Al and her three sisters, Eleanor, Margie and Betty. Mary graduated from Madison East High School in 1949. After breaking the hearts of men all over Dane County, Mary wed the love of her life, Glenn Wesley Schell, in 1954. Together they were blessed with three beautiful children, Doug, Gary and Sharon. Glenn passed away unexpectedly in a refueling accident at Kincheloe Air Force Base in 1959. As a single mother, Mary showed true courage and perseverance. She raised her children in Monona, Wis., surrounded by their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Despite living on a fixed income, she made sure each of her children graduated from college. Mary was a member of Lake Edge United Church of Christ. She brought her passion for the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers with her to the west coast when she moved to California in 1993, where she spent many wonderful years with her children and grandchildren, Carly, Glenn, Sara, Jared and Tracy. Mary enjoyed knitting, gardening, puzzles, watching Dancing with the Stars and beating the entire family at cards. After a year-long battle with ALS, Mary passed away peacefully at the age of 83. She was surrounded with love by her children and grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at LAKE EDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4200 Buckeye Rd., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2015, with the Rev. Lex Liberatore presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, please help her family search for a cure to ALS by making a donation at: https://fundly.com/maryschellalsfund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Sat Mar 28, 2015 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Lake Edge United Church of Christ (Madison) • 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Sat Mar 28, 2015 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Lake Edge United Church of Christ (Madison) • 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Mary have been shared yet.
Memories
JO
Julie Oyster
Other •
Sure will miss my Aunt Mary but I am so thankful for all of the love and laughter we all shared with her over the years!
RH
Roger Hamilton
Other •
Gary, your mother's love, resourcefulness and integrity is reflected in the classmate I remember in you.
DJ
Daniel Jorris
Other •
I did not know Mary that well but anyone who can raise my friend Douglas to be the wonderful man he has become must be a very special person. God bless you, Mary.
Dan Jorris
JC
jeanette crosswait
Other •
What a beautiful lady! Always such kindness in her eyes. Will miss my aunt Mary..Thank you Jesus for the hope we have in you.: You are the Resurrection and The Life, Our Peace and Our Joy even in the midst of sorrow. Love and peace to you all, in Jesus name.
Jeanette
MM
Mark Metry
Other •
Share your favorite memory here, or leave a condolence for the family...
MH
mollie hall
Other •
Hi
I am sorry for the loss of your Mother. She was married to my father for such a short time however I got to know her well during that time. She was a very sweet lady.