Mary B. Steinert (Ward)

Mary B. Steinert (Ward), our loving mother, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, at the age of 90.

Mary was born on December 3, 1934, in Rensselaer, Indiana, and raised in Brookston. She met the love of her life, Robert Steinert, while they were students at Purdue University. After his graduation, they settled in Jackson, Michigan, where they built a home and a life rooted in faith, family, and unwavering love. They were married for nearly 60 years until Robert's passing in 2017.

A lifelong homemaker, Mary dedicated herself to raising seven children:
Dr. Cathy (Tom) Zimmerman, Joan (Michael) Rainwater, Ellen (Mike) Woolsey, MaryAnn (John) Dolehanty, Amy Steinert, John (Lisa) Steinert, and Jeremy (Betsy) Steinert.

She was affectionately known as Grandma Mary to her 19 grandchildren – Matt (Dottie), Rachael (Kyle), AJ (David), Joshua (Raeann), Samantha, Courtney, Sister Faith Marie FSE, Adam (Meghan), Caitlin (John), Allison, Andrew (Katie), Alex, Scott, Kyle (Sam), Haley (Matt), Chris, Nicky, Clinton, and Eleanor – and lovingly called GiGi by her 16 great-grandchildren.

For 68 years, Mary was a faithful member of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church. Her life was filled with simple joys and spirited passions: she loved reading and watching game shows, and she was a devoted bridge player, actively participating in clubs for over five decades. In her younger years, she seized every opportunity to dance and even taught classes at the Arthur Murray Dance School in Lafayette, Indiana.

Mary was known for her signature sense of style – always impeccably dressed, often coordinating her outfit down to her shoes and jewelry to match the "color of the day." She had a knack for giving unique, imaginative, and often delightfully unexpected Christmas presents that brought laughter and joy to every family gathering. Her love for others was constant, remembered in the many birthday cards she faithfully sent, even to her extended family at Vista Grande Villa.

Among her greatest pleasures were traveling abroad with her beloved husband and enjoying family vacations to Northern Michigan, where her joy was as abundant as the love she shared.

Mary never missed an opportunity to brag – proudly and without apology – about her family's accomplishments. She gave generously, loved fiercely, and left a legacy of warmth, grace, and devotion.

In keeping with Mary's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church with Father Timothy MacDonald officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Church on Friday, August 22 from 10:30 to 11:00 AM.

In lieu of sending flowers, contributions to the American Heart Association or the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, 405 Allen Avenue, Meriden, Connecticut 06451 would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 135 Years