Kary Eileen (Schneider) Mahany

Kary Eileen (Schneider) Mahany, of Grandville, formerly of Westphalia, went home to Heaven
on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the age of 34. Born on January 17, 1990, in Lansing to Gerald
and Kay (Spitzley) Schneider, Kary was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and
daughter-in-law whose life was defined by her deep faith and love for her family.

Kary, known as Aunt Dee Dee, graced this world with an infectious smile that could light up any
room. Born with a heart full of love and a soul that radiated warmth, Kary dedicated her life to
spreading joy and kindness to everyone she met. She was a beacon of love, especially to her
beloved nieces and nephews, who were the lucky recipients of her endless affection.
Kary’s love for her family was unwavering. A day never passed without a FaceTime call or a
thoughtful text from her, ensuring her loved ones knew they were cherished. One of her happiest
moments was marrying the love of her life, Garrett. Her idea of fulfilment was rooted in the
simple, yet profound, pleasures of family life- all she ever wanted to be was a wife & mother.
She had the best smile—a carefree, genuine expression of the joy she found in life’s simple
pleasures.

A devout Catholic, she was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Westphalia for many
years where she was a member of the Christian Mothers and Women’s Guild and served as a
Lector and Eucharistic Minister. More recently, she attended St. Sebastian Catholic Church in
Byron Center, where she continued to grow in her faith. Her faith was the foundation of her life,
guiding her actions and inspiring those around her.

Kary had a collection of personalized t-shirts that were as vibrant and unique as she was. Each
shirt was an expression of her personality—fun, quirky, and full of life. She wore them with
pride, bringing a smile to the faces of everyone she encountered.

As a passionate childcare provider, Kary’s impact on her community was profound. She touched
the lives of countless families, offering not just care, but a nurturing spirit that left a lasting
imprint on the hearts of those she served. Whether it was the sound of birds singing, the beauty
of nature on her long walks, one of the many trips to Florida she took with Garrett, or the
satisfaction of crossing the finish line in one of her many 5k races, Kary embraced it all.

Kary was a woman who made time for everyone, showing endless love to every lucky soul that
crossed her path. Her presence was a gift, and though she may no longer walk among us, her
spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. As we remember Kary, we do so with a smile,
knowing that she is walking alongside the angels, still wearing one of her favorite t-shirts, Rest
in peace, dear Kary—you will be forever missed and forever loved. “Let your light shine”

Preceding Kary in death are her grandparents, Melvin and Margaret Schneider and Edward and
Eileen Spitzley; her unborn child; and uncles, Roy and Wayne Schneider. Left to cherish her
memory are her husband, Garrett Mahany; parents, Gerry and Kay Schneider; siblings, Zack
(Beth) Schneider, Dominic (Bethany) Schneider, and Kylee (Jered) Myszak; father and mother-
in-law, Dr. Brian and Janice Mahany; in-laws, Megan (Matthew) Gambrel, Kevin Mahany, and
Keith Mahany; nieces and nephews, Cade (godson), Ayva, Annistyn, Blakely, Tatum, Atlas,
Allie, Erin and one on the way; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Sunday, August 25, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8
p.m. with the rosary being prayed at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N.
Westphalia Street, Westphalia.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Eric Weber at 10:30 a.m., Monday, August
25, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s
Catholic Cemetery. A live stream of the mass can be viewed on the St. Mary Parish Facebook
page. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made
at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made to the St. Jude Children’s
Research hospital.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kary Eileen (Schneider) Mahany, please visit our floral store.