Mary Eileen Wenzel

Devoted mother, wife and grandmother, Mary Eileen Wenzel, 88, died Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Brentwood at La Porte with her family by her side.

Mary was born Sept. 8, 1936, in La Porte, Indiana, to William and Catherine Leahy. She married Ronald Edwin Shei on April 7, 1956, and raised their six children in Hamlet. She also spent time as a den mother, a town board member, a library volunteer and a part-time employee at Oregon-Davis High School.

In the mid-70s, she found full-time work in the Law Library at Westville Correctional Center where she met her second husband, Melvin Wenzel. Mary and Mel enjoyed many adventures including relocation to Green Valley, Arizona, for several years before returning to her beloved La Porte.

Later in life, Mary served as secretary of their HOA and found employment at the La Porte library. She had an incredible talent for research and genealogy, creating multiple family histories as gifts to her children.

Mary had always been an avid reader and excellent writer. Some of her hobbies included drawing, piano, gardening, baking and cross-stitch.

After Mel's death in 2016, Mary became a member of New Church in La Porte. Mary is survived by her children, David (Debbie), Steven (Kathie), Daniel, Maryann (Mark) Thomas, Michael (Adena) and Susan (Todd) Wallace; step-daughter, Kathy Pearson; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Mary will be remembered for her sensitivity toward others, and for her active role caring for family.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. at New Church, 812 Indiana Ave, La Porte. A reception including lunch immediately follows.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to New Church.