Mary (Rachek) Schmaelzle passed away at her home, surrounded by her loving family in the early hours of Monday, the 1st of November, 2021, at the formidable age of 102. Born in 1919 in Springfield, MA, Mary grew up in Feeding Hills where she lived until her retirement to Fort Myers, FL. Mary was a strong and determined woman. She was employed at Pratt Whitney during WWII while her husband George bravely fought overseas for the United States in the Army.

Mary is predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years George Schmaelzle, her parents Sidor and Anna Rachek, and siblings Helen, Catherine, Paul, Olga and Anita.

She is survived by her three children: daughter Linda Schmaelzle and her husband, Burton A. Weinberg, and two sons, Paul Schmaelzle and Karl Schmaelzle. She also leaves five grandchildren and seven adoring great-grandchildren: Adam and Jessica Schmaelzle and their daughters Ava and Ella; Aaron and Karmela Schmaelzle and their children Mila and Evan; Kristen and her husband Eric Lavelle and their sons Owen and Aiden; Matthew Schmaelzle and Jennifer Russo and their son Cameron; and Daniel Schmaelzle. She was also a wonderful sister-in-law and aunt to many.

She was buried with her husband in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Curran Jones Funeral Home managed the arrangement. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baystate Visiting Nurse & Hospice, c/o Baystate Health Foundation, 280 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199.

We will forever miss her smile, her laughter, and her tenacious spirit.