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
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Mrs. Stieglitz was my 6th grade teacher at Nottawa in 1990-91. She was one of my favorites. I like to think I was one of hers as well. 😉
I did cause her a little grief during 2nd semester that year, but having girls of her own, similar in age as us, she was a pro at being Mom-like and getting to the root of the problem, quickly but gently.
I’ll never forget her smile. Her patience. Her basking in the light bulb moments we had as a concept would finally make sense. Her cheering us on as we worked hard to complete the many tasks she assigned us. She challenged us to think, to wonder, to explore. Current Events was something she enjoyed seeing us discover and dig into.
I have so many great memories from that school year. So very many.
I will pray for you girls as you grieve. I’m sure you have so many fond memories of your Mom (and Dad) too. What a gift those memories are…. I sure treasure mine. ❤️
Sending so much love to the entire Stieglitz family. Mary Jo’s smile and laughter lives on in all of you, especially her 3 amazing girls. I love you so much Emily!
Dear Mary Jo,
You will always be my forever friend. The compassionate way you lived your life, had a significant impact on those around you. And so, I have arranged for trees to be planted in your honor, as a way that you may continue to provide a loving and supportive presence in this world. May the beauty and goodness of your soul provide comfort and light to the many others you meet in your future journeys. I will truly miss you.
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
Mary Jo was my best friends oldest sister. It makes me smile to think of Mary Jo. My friend Ann came into my life in 1970 with her beautiful family. I watched as Mary Jo became a beautiful woman, bride, mother and grandmother. She is a precious soul.
Praise the Lord she is celebrating in Heaven. Prayers for her wonderful family.
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.