Mary Helen Spitz

Mary Helen Spitz, age 88, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. She was born October 12, 1932 in Woodman Twp., WI to Raymond and Eva (Lostetter) Cull. Family and friends knew her as Mary Ellen, Helen and Mary, but to all, as a sweet soul. Mary graduated from St. Philip High School in 1952 and met the love of her life, Albert W. Spitz, at the Battle Creek Sanitarium where they worked. The two married at St. Philip Catholic Church where they were parishioners and she a member of the Council of Catholic Women. They shared 68 years rich in family, adventure, and faith.

Mary could be found in the arms of her husband dancing and enjoying music; traveling across the country with her kids and the ocean with Al; seated at the table with daughters and scrapbooking supplies and with grandkids and her cookie cutters at Christmastime; soaking up sunshine and welcoming woodland visitors to her window. She was a laborer of love who mended both stitches and hearts. Her hugs and kisses healed. She worked at Felpausch and JoAnn Fabrics and expressed her commitment to service as a volunteer of the St. Philip Thrift Store.

She is survived by her children, Anne Bernard, Gerard (Diana) Spitz, Chris (Tim) Lozier, Angela (Steve) Ziegler, Julia Hurst and Lisa Spitz Woolfolk; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Mary is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and 8 brothers and sisters. Mary will be remembered for her faith, selflessness and devotion to family, friends, and neighbor. Those lucky enough to have encountered her warm spirit were left with an indelible mark of kindness.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where the Parish Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at the St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary's honor may be made to St. Philip Catholic Church, 112 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.