Mary Ellen Noel

1933 - 2020

Mary Ellen Noel
METAMORA - Mary Ellen (Spainhower) Noel went to be with the Lord on December 6, 2020. Her passing was sudden but peaceful.
Mary and her twin sister Gerry were born in Peoria, IL, to Paul and Helen Spainhower on May 10, 1933. She attended Academy of Our Lady High School and graduated from OSF St Francis Nursing School with high honors specializing in Pediatrics. She went on to be the pediatrics nursing supervisor at Saint Francis Hospital.
Mary met the love of her life, Lee Noel, in 1955 and they married on December 29, 1956.That beautiful marriage resulted in four children - Steve (deceased), Mike, MaryLee, and Patrice. She returned to her nursing career after the children were grown. She served as Iowa City Hospice volunteer nurse, earning volunteer of the year award. Later in life, she also worked at the Iowa City Veteran's Administrative Hospital as a nurse on various research projects, where she was employee of the month once.
Mary was a giver, she could never give enough for others, especially "her Lee." She said countless rosaries and made too many brownies, lemon bars, and toffee bars to count. Her favorite activities were those of her children and grandchildren. She cheered at football, swimming, hockey, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, Scouts, and choir and band concerts. She was the best Momma and Nana ever!
In the day, Mary was an avid runner, winning her age group several times in 5K races. She really liked running races that benefited her favorite charities - Hospice, America Cancer Society, and Alzheimer's Association. She also made a mean pot of Hawkeye Chili for Lee's many tailgates.
Mary loved spending winters with Lee in St George Island, FL and hosting family and special friends there. She cherished family time especially the vacations to Orlando, San Diego, and Hawaii.
She is survived by her husband Lee of almost 64 years, daughter-in-law Beth (Steve) Noel of Dakota Dunes, SD, son Mike (Mary) Noel of Iowa City, MaryLee (John) Williams of Cedar Rapids, Patrice (John Mittelstaedt) Noel of Dayton, OH; Grandchildren Hilliary (Brad) Lukes, John Williams, Todd (Emily) Noel, Lee Noel, Drew Noel, Kate Noel, Louis Noel, Matthew Mittelstaedt, and Marlow Mittelstaedt; plus great grandchildren Ryne and Addison Lukes; sisters Nancy Maushard (Peoria, Il) and Peggy Belliston (San Diego, CA); and a brother-in-law Vance Belliston (San Diego, CA); many nephews, nieces, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son Steve; her son-in-law John Mittelstaedt; her parents Paul and Helen; her sisters Pat Mahrt, Shirley Coyle, Gerry Heuermann; her brother PJ Spainhower; brothers-in-law Don Mahrt, George Coyle, Kenny Heuermann, Tom Maushard; and sister-in-law Marilyn Spainhower.
Mary believed in the power of prayer and had unwavering faith. She was the greatest role model as a wife, mom, friend, and person. She will be deeply missed and lives on in each of us.
Visitation will be from 9 AM to 11 AM, Friday, December 18, 2020 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Coralville. Due to the pandemic social distancing and masks will be required for the health and safety of all attendees. The family will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM, following the visitation. Father Ed Fitzpatrick will officiate.
Friends may view the Mass by way of Zoom. The Zoom link may be found on Mary's obituary page at www.lensingfuneral.com. Friends are also welcome to come to the Church, remain in their vehicle, and listen to the Mass on FM 91.3. Following the Mass friends may join the family outside the Church for a Prayer of Commendation.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:30 am on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora, IL. Graveside Services will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Metamora with Father Vien Van Do officiating. Social distancing and wearing of masks will be required.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Iowa City Hospice, University of Iowa Newman Catholic Student Center, St. Thomas More Church, Coralville, IA, or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be sent to either www.lensingfuneral.com or to www.masonfuneralhomes.com.