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
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15 Replies to “Mary Theresa Stief”
Our prayers and thoughts for the Stief family.
Words can not express how very sorry we are for your loss. Your Mom, Queen Mary was one in a million. You always knew how she felt. She was honest to the core. She loved her family dearly and her husband of 57 years. Say hi to my Dad in heaven Queen Mary. You will never be forgotten. Love the Nelson Family.
Prayers to all who knew Mary.
I remember her from St. Sebastian Church masses and various events participation. Her laugh, her smile will always remain in my mind.
It was a pleasure to know her and Bill and see their devotion to the faith spread to many others over the years I’m sure.
Give God a hug from me.
Went to grade school with Mary-she was larger than life then and continued to be.
We’re friends on Facebook and live fairly close to each other, although we never got together-we both had good intentions.
Heaven did gain another angel-I’m sure she’s running things up there♥️💔
Bill, Ann Marie, Katherine, Will and the entire Stief family. I had the pleasure of meeting “Mama” through my sister AnnMarie’s family, as did my children when they would visit. Her feistiness and laughter will be always in my memory when thinking of her. She did love her family through and through and proud of each one also of her grandchildren. Please know I’m thinking of you all during this time of loss of your mother, grandma, ……Mama. Hugs to you all.
Another classmate gone too soon. Yes, Mary was a standout in our class. She led a lot of projects. Enjoyed our reunion at Nancy’s home. Was great. My deepest sympathy to the family. She has gone through so much pain but now she is no longer suffering. May we always remember her with kindness. Teri (Gillich) Dangel.
We will miss her so much. Our grandson went to Akron University and our visit was always very nice when we went out there. She was always so grateful and always a bowl of laughter with her. She will be loved up there in Heaven too.
The Valek Family
I’m The Valek family. we will miss Mary she was greatful and happy person. my grandson went to Akron University. we were so happy to see you and your family 2hen we went to visit him. heaven will have a great person up there.
We will miss Mary very much. We met Mary during Saturday 4:00 masses at St. Mary’s Church and became good friends. We would sit as a group in the center 3 pews for years. We loved to see Mary and her loving family. When we met at the casino, she always had a smile, kind words and a lot of laughter. To the family of Mary – you all are in our prayers. Heaven has gained a wonderful person. R.I.P. our friend, you will be greatly missed.
The Bates Family
Dear Bill, Susie, Brian & entire family, Our hearts are broken for your tremendous loss. Mary was certainly one of a kind & certainly a person who could never be replaced.
We lived across the street from Susie, Brian & family for many years until they moved & we had a great love for each one of them. We are certain that Mary will stay as close to the family as ever before with her motherly love and affection. So grateful we ran into the family once more after Mass at St Mary’s Church. Rest in peace Mary. You richly deserve your heavenly reward! All our love, Don, Marsha, Alana, Donnie (deceased) & Michael Santos 🙏🏻🌈🕊
Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this tough time.
I remember so fondly Bill and Mary playing and signing at the Contemporary Mass at St. Sebastian. What a special couple! Mary was a blessing to many for sharing her talents. God Bless the family.
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of dear Mama ( Queen) Mary. No one had a smile as bright, or
a hug as healing. Her love for her family and her zest for life were unmatched. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you Prince Johnny. She is always with you.
I met Mary many years ago when I was a volunteer at St. Gabriel’s Special Needs School of Religion. Both her son John and my son David were students in the program. We immediately hit it off together.
She was a frequent shopper and she would often stop to talk to me while I was working at Kohls. We would catch each other up on the latest news of our sons’ activities. She doted on all her children and grandchildren. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of family love. My heartfelt condolences to all of you. I’m sure she will be deeply missed. May God comfort you.
I’m so sorry Liz, Jim, and your family who always treated me like one of the clan. Your mom led the charge on making me feel welcome, and I have a few specific memories of her I’ll never forget (and always smile). Thinking of you.
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