Mary Sheetz

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Mary Sheetz on March 4, 2025, at the age of 74. She passed quickly and peacefully while in hospice, just minutes after saying goodbye to her devoted dog, Tori.

Mary was a remarkable woman—intelligent, talented, and fiercely compassionate. A gifted musician, a champion for social justice, and generous to a fault, she dedicated her life to kindness and making the world a better place.

She is survived by her children: Steven Sheetz (and his wife, Lieolani), John Sheetz (and his wife, Jenna), and step-son Derek Morrison (and his wife, Laurie). She was preceded in death by her middle son, Aaron Sheetz, who passed on March 5, 2013, leaving behind his wife, Breanne (who has since married Adam Martell, whom Mary loved very much). Mary was also widowed by her beloved husband, Richard Sheetz, who passed in hospice on August 11, 2017.

She was a loving grandmother to Emmanuel (and his wife, Ashely), Katrina, Jayden, and Lily, and a proud great-grandmother to Michael, Shaun, and Juniper. She was also a step-grandmother to Dalton and Emmett, whom she loved dearly.

For the last four years, Mary called Aljoya Thornton Place home, where she was adored by many and formed cherished friendships.

Her kindness, wisdom, knowledge, and unwavering generosity touched the lives of all who knew her. Though she is no longer with us, her love and legacy remain.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Aljoya Thornton Place on her birthday, August 16, 2025 at 2PM.

In lieu of flowers (as mom would say, “I don’t want them; they’re already dead!”), she asked that people donate to the Friends Of Math fund in the UW Math department at https://math.washington.edu/support-us.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller