Date of Death: December 14, 2024
Service Details
Visitation and service will take place Sunday, December 29, 2024 at Hohner Funeral Home in Three Rivers, MI from 2pm-4pm with service starting at 4pm with Father Mathias. Procession to the Mottville Cemetery to follow.
Obituary Notice
09/02/1951-12/14/2024
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother Mary Jo (Smagala) Stieglitz known to many as MJ. She was 73.
Mary Jo was born in Detroit, MI to Jane and Raymond Smagala on September 2, 1951. The oldest of five children, her siblings: Linda, Ann, Raymond and Mark. Raised in Three Rivers, MI where she attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School through the 8th grade. MJ’s family owned and ran Smagala Grocery where she, her siblings and friends had a childhood full of responsibility, mischief and playful memories. MJ was a class of 1969 TRH Wildcat, as she would say “last of the good guys.”
She furthered her education at Western Michigan University where she earned her Bachelors Degree in Education in 1973. With this degree she landed her lifelong career at Nottawa Community School, where she was the 6th grade teacher for 30 years.
She met Guy Stieglitz after graduating high school and they fell in love and started their life together. They married on September 13, 1975. Their first few years of marriage were filled with many home renovations throughout St. Joe County. In 1977, she had her first daughter Emily, in 1979, her second daughter Tomi and in 1981, her third daughter Lana.
She dedicated her summers to traveling across the United States with us girls and dad, incorporating educational experiences into every destination we visited. In addition to family time, mom loved arts and crafts, history, reading, gardening and holistic well-being. She and Guy lived their summer weekends at Lake Michigan on their houseboat “Poco Loco.”
Upon retirement, Guy and she purchased the Stieglitz family home on the St. Joe River in Mottville, MI. For decades before them, family would gather at the “river house” enjoying the pool, the river views and late night parties where MJ enjoyed the sounds of people having fun. With Guy preceding her death, she would spend her winters in Long Beach, California living with Emily and Juan traveling the Pacific Coast.
She found her greatest fulfillment in the company of family. Her grandsons: Guy, Dean, Drew and John were her life and laughter whenever they were around.
She was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2021. She enjoyed the rest of her life residing on Fisher Lake with Tomi, Paul, Drew and John. Throughout her journey she was lovingly cared for by family and compassionate caretakers. Her daughters established a loving weekly routine of care which she often referred to as the “highlight of her week.”
On the 14th of December, Mary Jo passed peacefully and beautifully with Emily, Tomi, and Lana holding her hands. Her faith gave her comfort and peace as she prepared to enter heaven’s embrace surrounded by eternal love.
Thank you to all of MJ’s family and lifelong friends for your love, laughter and devotion. We know mom loved and appreciated you all so much.
Sha-lom Sha-lom,
Emily Stieglitz (Juan Arias), Tomi (Paul) Leverentz, Lana (Aaron) Topolski, Guy, Dean, Drew and JT.
Additional Information
Any donation you wish to honor in mom’s memory should be sent to The Susan Mast (ALS) Foundation which provided tremendous support and resources to mom during her battle with this life-altering disease.
Susan Mast ALS Foundation
2500 Waldorf Ct. NW
Suite B
Grand Rapids, MI 49544
https://www.susanmastals.org/donation/
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.
Sorry to hear of Mary Jo’s passing. Condolences to the family
Jo Van Horn
Trust Shield Insurance, Retired
Saying goodbye to someone this time is hard. I’m thinking of you all and sending warm hugs. MaryJo was a warm, kind soul.
Your cousin,
Karen Smagala
Mary Jo was so loved by her family. She leaves that legacy of how important family is. She was a kind and loving person and a blessing to many.
We met MJ and Guy through our sister Lori Rathburn. Ron and I enjoyed many days and nights on the mighty St. Joe River. Wonderful memories!! Peace to her lovely daughters and family.
Mary Jo was a very special woman, friend, wife, daughter, teacher, sister, and cousin. But she shined best in her role as a mother. She naturally created a happy, carefree home for Emily, Tomi, and Lana and encouraged them to be their true self.
Mary Jo gave her love so freely and made everyone around her feel special. She was a great listener. She loved to laugh. She was sentimental and appreciated the little things. I am so grateful for Mary Jo and how she inspired me in so many ways.
I didn’t know MJ, but have known Ann, for years. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you at this very sad time.
With sympathy,
Mary Conner
I knew Mary Jo since we were young I used to go to their house and play, she was such a loving friend to all. Will think of her often, love, thoughts to the family.
Our sincere sympathies go out to Mary Jo’s family and friends.
We’ve been privileged to know Ray for many years, and send him our love and prayers.🙏
May God the Father, Jesus and Mary comfort you all in the days ahead…🌹✝️🌹
I didn’t know MJ but I worked with Tomi for several years.
My condolences go out to the family may the good lord help you in this very difficult time. Prayers for you and your family I’m so sincerely sorry for your loss.
Mary Jo was a sweetie! She will be missed by all those who knew her. To her family, keep memories of her close and dear.
I was also fortunate to have met MJ. She was always a fun person to be around! She was always up for new adventures and exploring when visiting us when we lived in Seattle. I know she will forever be in all of our hearts. Sending love to the family during this difficult time.
What a beautiful soul! She made me feel like family from the moment I met her. Loved poured out from her smile and her hugs! Love you all.
Beautiful obit for a beautiful woman. I will miss her dearly. My friend she will always be remembered.
Love to the family your all in my thoughts.