Mary Katherine VanNeste

Van Neste, Mary Katherine, “Mary Kay”, age 90 y/o. Beloved wife of predeceased Kenneth, “KO” Van Neste for 68 cherished years. Loving mother to Julie Mattiacci and Kathleen Van Neste-Kortebein. Predeceased by son Kenny James Van Neste. Proud Nonie of Jodi Burk (Wes) and Ryan Mattiacci and Proud Grandma to Merrik Van Neste, Skot Van Neste, Joshua Kortebein, Genevieve Snyder (Trevor), Claire-Marie Kortebein, Magdalena Kortebein, and Jacinta Kortebein. Great-Grandma to Howl Van Neste. Daughter of Almore and Patricia (nee Smith) Schneider. Dear sister to Carol Poltorak (Andrew), predeceased by sister Roseanne (Ron) Refior, Daniel (Catherine) Schneider, John (Linda) Schnieder, and George Schneider (Debby). She was the loving aunt of many nieces and nephews, as well as, a life-long friend to a few amazing women. One who nicknamed her “Ladybug”. Mary Kay was born in Providence Hospital in Detroit on Grand Boulevard. She attended St. Jude grade school then went on to be a graduate of the Class of 1955 at Dominican High School. She took shorthand and bookkeeping classes that served her well as a Bank Teller at Bank of Detroit and Peterson Music where the ambience of notes from musical instruments lifted her spirit. After she raised her children, she took on a caregiving role for an older gentleman and nursed him along which was always a dream she had. She was part of the prayer group at St. Blase church and remained faithful to praying for anyone who asked. Mary Kay was a woman who dotted her “i’s” and “crossed her t’s”. She had lists and she completed them. She rose early to get the day started, beginning with the bed as “one thing already done for the day.” She had rules for many things including the laundry, “How you send it, is how it will return to you, ie “inside out”. Her two favorite rules were: “With any sweet treat, you must have one for each hand” and “You are never too big to sit on my lap” this included those who were much bigger than her 5’4” stature. She had a love for lemon donuts, carrot cake, and key lime pie, and was often found with her hand either in the cookie or candy jar. Mary was an avid reader and her passion for books was often a topic of conversation with family and friends alike. Mary Kay shared shopping trips with her older daughter after housework was done and children were off to school, and loved to visit the Christmas section. She took her youngest daughter to the Warren Symphony Orchestra on Sunday evenings and encouraged her love of the Arts. She cut inspirations from the Women’s Day magazine which she placed in an envelope to give a 7 day boost to the women who needed it most. She made time with her grandchildren for Bear hugs, tea parties, coloring, games, or just sitting near them as she valued “togetherness”. She was a “LIFESAVER” when moms had to work and children were sick to offer “grandma time” or an afterschool snack for the weary student. She never hesitated to plink out “Happy Birthday” on the piano for the person of honor or “You Are My Sunshine” for the granddaughter that needed to hear it. Mary Kay had a mischievous sense of humor that could catch you completely off guard. Her unexpected boldness brought laughter to the room on short notice. She was playful and that bought about a smile. Mary Kay’s had a devotion to St. Francis and a love of cardinals which were found throughout her home. Mary Kay always wanted to look her best and in the words of her sister “She was the prettiest sister.” She never left the house without her lipstick. Even in her later days she always checked in to make sure she was well put together and pretty. She loved Avon and the Blair Catalog. As her days came to a close, she loved vanilla ice cream and chocolate pudding her “Mmm, that is so good” was a deep sign of appreciation followed by “can I have two more scoops”. Mary the Tiger and Ken the Lion are now running free in the Wild bliss of Heaven enjoying Eternity together. Instate will be Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 9am until the start of Mass 9:30am at St. Blase Catholic Church 12151 15 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. In Lieu of Flowers: Please forward donations to : Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center 1200 N. Telegraph Bldg 42E Pontiac MI, 48341 Solanus Casey Center 1780 Mount Elliott St. Detroit, MI 48207-3427 Solanuscasey.org

Mary Katherine VanNeste

September 4, 1936 - October 18, 2026