The family of Barbara Thomas gathered to remember and given thanks to God for the gift of her life on September 9, 2021.   Barbara was a woman dedicated to the care of her family: her husband Gerald (d); and her children: Sheryle, Dianna, Linda, Rita, Nannette, Gerald and Donald; her sixteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She took great pleasure in turning an “ordinary” day into a “special” day.  Birthdays meant choosing a dinner and cake of preference.  In addition to individualized dinner and cake options, decorating “let the whole world know” that that particular day was not an “ordinary” one.  Her children shared that Barbara made each of them feel special.

Family and friends of Donald Anthony Toeppe gathered to celebrate the blessings God had bestowed on him during his earthly life: his family, his friends as well as his deep faith. One of Don’s greatest gifts to others was his openness to take people under his wing and help them to rebuild their lives.  His personal faith in a loving and merciful God inspired him to care for others and draw people closer to God.  Guided by his faith and commitment to helping those who were homeless and marginalized, Don helped organize the Damascus House and the Philadelphia House; entities that continue to assist those most in need in Monroe County.  He was also instrumental in starting the Boy Scout Troop 519 at St. Mary Parish.

Gathering with family and friends, the family of Shirley Mae Hauser remembered with gratitude the blessings of God through the joys and challenges of Shirley’s life.  Shirley was often called the “Energizer Bunny” had a gift of getting people to laugh.  Small in stature, she did everything quickly and was found it important that everything had to be in the right place.  Spending time with her friends was important to Shirley and later in life when she relied on public transportation she would use her walker to get her to the bus stop in order to meet with her friends.

Family and friends of Romanda Ellen Grodi gathered to celebrate her earthly life as well as her new life in Christ. Romanda entered the Catholic Church as  an adult prior to the marriage to Ray Grodi on November 16, 1946. 

A Memorial Mass for Peter Severino Centa was celebrated at St. Mary Church with his family and friends in attendance on July 9, 2021.  In his formative years, Pete attended Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. Discerning that God was calling him to another way of serving him, Pete enlisted in the United States Army from 1961-1964.  He was a dedicated husband and father.

Patricia Anne Bandoni, a Monroe native was a devoted mother, avid gardener and loyal friend. A Fedex employee for more than 30 years, she also worked for five years as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines. Patricia spent 30 years of her life in southern Florida, recently returning to Monroe, her hometown. In her youth she excelled in synchronized swimming and enjoyed playing the clarinet. To Patricia’s daughter, Alyssa, St. Mary Parish extends its prayerful support during this difficult time. May all of your memories of time shared with your mother fill you with peace and the hope that one day you will be reunited with her in the Kingdom of God.

​Family and friends of Joan Therese Schmitz gathered for a Memorial Mass celebrating her earthly life and her new life in Christ. A woman of many talents, Joan served others as a beautician, and expert seamstress. Her creative spirit extended to the creation of patterns and garments for her infirmed and wheelchair-bound clients.  A passion for sewing led her to collect, clean and repair antique sewing machines.    Living a full life, she also enjoyed going golfing, perch fishing, attention to the stock market and playing bridge. 

The family and friends of Marvin Arnold Krueger gathered to celebrate the Mass of Chrisan Burial. With grateful hearts they thanked God for his presence in their lives and Gods’ faithfulness throughout the challenging mes of his life. An Army veteran, Marv served as an MP achieving the rank of Sargent during the Vietnam era. He served his faith community as an usher (most recently at the 10:00 am Mass), as an acve member and past Grand Knight of the Monroe Council 1266, Knights of Columbus, and a cook for the St. Mary Parish Friday God Works! dinners.An avid sportsman, Marv enjoyed hunng and everything associated with this sport.

Victoria Louisa Free was the beloved child of Victor and Alice Free. She was blessed with a happy and joyful spirit and enjoyed being around her family and friends who gathered on Thursday, July 16th to give thanks and praise to God for the giA of her earthly and eternal life.
Vicky was a member of our Saturday Morning “Faith Sharing” group for several years. She also looked
forward to par'cipa'ng in the Special Olympics compe'ng in the area of swimming and winning many awards and medals.

Mary Constance Rock was characterized by her children as a woman “full of life.” Her creave gis were manifested through her sewing abilies. Not only did she make most of her own clothes, but she devoted me to making doll clothes as well.
A longme member of St. Mary Parish, Mary faithfully brought dessert for our weekly God Works! dinners. She
enjoyed keeping busy and her good sense of humor been credited to her longevity; living to be 96 years of age.
Mary met her husband (Willard.) while roller skang.