Mary Theresa Stief, age 80 of Kirtland Hills, peacefully passed away March 4th, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on April 17th, 1943 in Akron, Ohio to the late Elizabeth and Joe Kraker.
Mary graduated from The Villa Maria High School in 1961 and received her bachelor’s in education from The University of Akron. She was a lively soul, lovingly referred to as “Mama” or “Queen Mary” by those who loved her.
Mary was the loving wife for 57 years to Bill “Papa” Stief; dearest mother of William (Ann Marie) Stief, Susie (Brian) Geduldig, James Stief, John Stief, Liz (Chris) Stief-Schimmelman, and Michael Stief; beloved grandmother of Katherine and Will Stief, Elizabeth, Anna, Sara and Jack Geduldig, and Annie Stief; sister of Father Joe Kraker and Jerry Kraker; dearest aunt of Chrissy Schorr and Amy Schorr.
She will forever be remembered as the cornerstone of her family and friends. She never failed to touch the hearts of those around her. She lived a very fulfilling life, creating a family that parents around her strived to replicate. The extended Stief family is the epitome of how a family should function, all forged by the tough love, caring nature, and the drive of “Mama”. She was without a doubt the powerhouse of the family and the definition of the word, “Matriarch”. Her favorite song has always been “Moon River” because it was her and Bill’s first dance together when they met. She was married for 57 wonderful years. She was a spitfire of passion and knowledge. She was a safe space to go to and like a second mother to many. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Heaven has gained an angel.
The Stief family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday, March 7th, 2024 at Jeff Monreal Funeral Home, 1000 Mentor Ave., Painesville. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM Friday at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 8560 Mentor Ave., Mentor where Father Charlie Dietrich will officiate (please meet at the church). Burial at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Twp.
Donations can made in Mary’s name to Sisters of the Humility of Mary https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/SistersoftheHumilityofMary/supportus.html
