Mary Ann (Verbanac) Schell passed away unexpectedly in her home on the evening of October 3, 2016. Mary Ann was 79 years old.
Mary Ann was born in East Helena, Montana on October 26, 1936. She was the daughter of Frank J. Verbanac, Sr. and Christina (Cestnik) Verbanac.
Mary Ann attended St. Anne’s Catholic School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1954. She enjoyed fishing and playing softball as a youth.
Mary Ann attended Carroll College from 1954 to 1956 and later worked for the phone company. She volunteered her time with charitable organizations including the March of Dimes. On January 2, 1960, Mary Ann married Joseph (Joe) Lewis Schell also of East Helena, Montana. They started a family and soon thereafter moved to Helena. Joe and Mary Ann were active in Jaycees for many years. They also camped, fished, and traveled with their children. In the 1980’s, Mary Ann worked as a legal assistant in the office of Harrison, Loendorf and Poston.
Mary Ann enjoyed bowling and golfing, and assisted in the administration of league play. She also continued to travel, play bingo and garden throughout her life. The many healthy plants in her home and yard were a testament to her green thumb. She gave her time lovingly as a volunteer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Helena. Mary Ann also served her community as an election judge.
Mary Ann loved animals of all sizes and shapes. She would happily pet a dog being walked in front of her house or give friendly greetings to the furry critters in the zoo.
Mary Ann especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren in East Helena, Denver and the Seattle area. They played board games and video games, watched movies together, and visited the local attractions. Mary Ann was a loving and generous wife, mother, and grandmother and will be greatly missed.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by Joe, her husband of 42 years, and by her mother and father.
Mary Ann is survived by her daughter Christina M. Pike and grandchildren Jeremy (wife Alyssa) and Marisa of Denver, Colo.; son Joseph F. Schell and his wife Xee Yang-Schell and grandchildren Annalin and Abigail of Bothell, Wash.; and son James E. Schell and his wife Marie and grandchildren Sydney and Sylvia of East Helena, Mont. Mary Ann is also survived by brothers Frank J. Verbanac, Jr. and his wife Myrna, and brother John J. Verbanac and his wife Pat, and numerous other relatives.
There will be a vigil service for Mary Ann at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Helena. Mass of Christian burial will also be held at St. Mary’s at 10:00 am on Thursday, October 13, with a reception to follow. Cremation will follow the mass. Interment of the ashes will be at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena at 4:00 pm. The family requests that memorials be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1700 Missoula Ave., Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Mary Ann.
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 12, 2016
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Thursday October 13, 2016
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 12, 2016
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Thursday October 13, 2016
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
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Perrie E. White says
I know Mary Ann through Bowling. She was the sweetest gal. She will be missed by all. She and her family are in my thoughts and prayers
Cynde Watkins says
Your mother and father lived behind us on Gold Rush and were the best neighbors. I am sorry for your loss.
Allan Stricker says
Mary Ann and Joe also lived behind me on Gold Rush, and were indeed great neighbors. Really sorry that she left us so soon.
Mickey Joe Schell says
Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary Ann were always kind and considerate to me. And that continued with my wife and children. To my cousins, sorry for your loss.
Cathy Jensen says
Mary Ann will be missed greatly by her children and grandchildren. My heartfelt sympathy goes to all and especially to Tina, Jeremy & Alyssa and Marisa.
Irene (Schell) Bushnell says
Tina, Joey and Jamie – my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. I have lots of fond memories from we were kids, and it seems like Aunt Mary Ann was always smiling when we were together. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sadness.
Don Pratt says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of grief. I have many fond memories of your father and mother of the years. If there is anything I can do for you all, please callon me.
Julie Tobiason says
I remember all the fun times camping fishing get togethers with the family and my family Larry and Diane Tobiason Mike Steve and Julie. Great memories. Keeping you all in my prayers
Karen Eck Sawyer says
I have such fond memories of Mary Ann. I babysat for her kids for years when I was a kid. The Schells lived directly across the street of my family on 5th Avenue and Mary Ann was a wonderful wife, mother, and neighbor! My condolences to Christina, Joe (Joey), and James (Jamie).
Karen Eck Sawyer
Austin, TX
Norval and Kay Rokke says
Although it has been many years since we last saw Mary Ann, (moved away from Helena in ’76) we have many fond memories of our years together with your mom and dad in Jaycees and Jayceens…and yearly conventions and as personal friends as well. Mary Ann and Joe were always very present and outstanding in anything they persued. We express our deepest sympathy to you all in the loss of your mother.
Rollie and Marlene Schell says
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, grandmother, and our Aunt Mary Ann. When we visited from North Dakota we were always welcomed by your family. We also miss Uncle Joe and pray for all our families every day. Please know they are in our hearts.
Vanessa & Chuck Tolson says
We were so sorry to hear of MaryAnn’s passing. She was a great lady; I used to golf with her at Green Meadow we had so much fun. She always had a smile on her face & a kind word.
God Bless you all.
Ken Price says
Jamie and family: I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I will always remember her as a devoted mother to you kids and a lady with a smile and a good word for all. Carry those wonderful memories in your heart. As Dr. Seuss said, “don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened.”
Buzz Helfert says
Jamie and family, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.
Margie Vollmer Rabdau says
I had the opportunity to spend some time with Mary Ann at the last CHS reunion–what a warm, sincere and kind lady! My prayers for her family that your memories make you smile.
Tina Schell Pike says
My brothers and I wish to thank all of you for your warm thoughts and kind sympathies for the loss of our Mom, Mary Ann Schell. We were able to spend a little bit of time with some of you at her Vigil and Funeral Service and we laughed and cried and cherished all our memories. Our families, and especially her six grandchildren, will remember a truly gracious, generous and loving woman.