Maribeth Garzelloni

Mary E. Garzelloni, age 88, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 while in the company of her husband of 50 years, James Garzelloni.

She was born in the summer of 1934 in Grand Rapids, MI to the late Leroy and Margaret Rohde.

Along with her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her first husband Charles Stapf Jr. and her younger brother William Rohde.

Along with her husband Jim, she is survived by her children, Joseph (Peg) Stapf, Thomas (Madonna) Stapf, Charles Stapf and Margaret (John) Vande Guchte; her grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Frain, Eric Stapf (engaged to Denise Kang), Alyssa (Michael) Zalenski, Patrick Stapf, Jack, Kate, Joe and Luke Vande Guchte; her great-grandsons, William, James and Paul Frain and Callan and Beckett Zalenski. Also surviving is Mary’s twin sister Sally Fisher and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Maribeth (“Meem”) was a proud graduate of Ottawa Hills High School. During her childhood and teen years, she shared many happy memories with her twin sister, Sally, including cheerleading and annual trips to Pickerel Lake. The twins were also the beloved big sisters of Bill, whom they both adored. In 1956, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University which she attended with her sister. She often told the story of slipping on a patch of ice when walking on MSU’s campus, only to be helped up by Coach Biggie Munn. During her senior year of college, she traveled across the country by train to the Rose Bowl game to watch the Spartans defeat the UCLA Bruins. That memorable trip also included a side trip to the then newly-opened Disneyland. Throughout her life, Maribeth continued to be a diehard Spartan rarely missing the chance to watch a football or basketball game. Along with her sister, she also was very proud to be a part of the Delta Gamma sorority and continued to actively participate in sorority activities throughout her lifetime. Shortly after her college years, she met and married her first husband, Charles Stapf, Jr. Soon after getting married, the couple moved to Wilmington, DE and later to Toledo, OH. It was in Toledo that she tragically lost Charles (“CJ”) in a plant explosion and fire at Maumee Chemical Company in May 1962. Throughout this challenging time of her life, she showed great faith, strength, and fortitude in the face of adversity. Maribeth subsequently moved herself and three young sons to Grand Rapids, MI, where she would raise the three boys. During that time, Maribeth also earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work by commuting to the University of Michigan and began a long career in the Kelloggsville, MI and Wyoming, MI area schools as a social worker. Over her career, she aided hundreds of children faced with difficult circumstances, exhibiting patience and kindness. In 1972, she was blessed to marry James Garzelloni whom she met during her time working at Kent Intermediate School District. She and Jim later welcomed a daughter, Margaret, and the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last fall. Throughout their fifty years of marriage, the couple had countless good times with family and friends. Maribeth was a devoted and supportive wife and mother to her four children encouraging education, a strong work ethic, and competitiveness whether in sports, Scrabble, ping pong or croquet. In addition to her passion for MSU sports, she enjoyed staying very active by reading, playing bridge, visiting with family, socializing with neighbors and high school friends, dining with the “potluck group,” and traveling to many places. Maribeth and Jim were longtime active parishioners of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Maribeth and Jim also enjoyed many years at their lake house in Cedarville, MI and welcomed many visitors there over time. Maribeth always loved spending time with her husband, family, and especially grandchildren and was always ready to help when needed. Until her final days, she was sweet, kind and wore a beautiful smile, with her faithful husband always by her side. She will be greatly missed!

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at her church, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, (2275 Diamond Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505).

The family will receive visitors starting at 10 AM prior to the Mass at church. Mary will be laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Edison Christian Health Center, (1000 Edison Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504).

Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to submit a favorite memory, photo or to sign the guestbook online.