Mary Keely

Someone who was content in all things, Mary Helen Rizzon Keely lived her life to love and serve her family first and foremost.

It was during the vibrant decade that became known as the Roaring Twenties that a young couple from Monroe, Michigan, welcomed their daughter into their hearts and home. Mary Helen was ushered into the world on February 6, 1924. As a young girl Mary moved with her parents to Lansing where she attended local schools.

After graduating from high school in 1942, Mary found work as a secretary. She enjoyed eating out as a young woman, and it was while eating out that she met the man who would change the course of her life forever. He was a fellow patron named Albert Rizzon, and they met at that same restaurant again. After dating for a time, the couple married in Grand Rapids in 1948.

The newlyweds settled into a home on 9th Street on the west side of the city where they raised three wonderful children: Bruce, Patty, and Sherry. Mary was a busy mother who was actively involved in the lives of her children. She volunteered extensively at Stocking School, where her children attended. She also worked part-time as a teacher’s aid in the classrooms, the lunchrooms, and on the playground.

The Rizzon family was in for a bit of a scare when their house started on fire. Mary Helen was trapped inside with two of the children; her husband had been able to get out and she ended up dropping the two children out the window to him, and she needed to jump to safety as well. They later moved to another home on the same street.

As Albert battled cancer, Mary tenderly cared for him in their home. She was deeply saddened with his death in 1975. In order to support her family, Mary Helen went to work processing potato products at Mid-America Potato Company.

While enjoying a beer with a couple of friends one evening, Mary met a man named Allen Keely. They began dating and married five years later. Although she suffered a stroke just one year after they married, Mary Helen recovered nicely and continued to embrace her days. She spent a lot of time listening to the radio since her vision was impaired, and she also enjoyed cooking for her family. Mary Helen never forgot a family birthday or anniversary and always marked the occasion with a card.

A kindhearted and generous woman, Mary Helen Rizzon Keely was dearly loved. She treasured her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and would do anything for her family. Life will never be the same without Mary Helen here, but all who knew her were so blessed by her touch.

Mary Helen Rizzon Keely died on Monday, April 4, 2011. Mary Helen’s family includes her husband, Allen Keely; her children: Bruce (Barb) Rizzon, Patty (Roger) Wilson, Sherry Rizzon and her fiancé Kip Anway; 5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Mary Helen was preceded in death by her first husband, Albert Rizzon. A service to celebrate her life will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien – Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home Thursday from 7-9 p.m. and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. To share a memory or sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com.