Mary C. Sine

Mary Christine Sine, 77, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She leaves behind a legacy of service, a life of purpose, and a lifetime of memories treasured by her family and friends.

Born on January 7, 1949, and raised in South Bend, Indiana, just blocks from the University of Notre Dame, Mary couldn’t help but become an avid Notre Dame fan. Although she spent a great deal of time on Notre Dame’s campus, she ultimately became a proud graduate of Western Michigan University, where she earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, graduating summa cum laude. Mary discovered her passion for special education as a teenager while volunteering at a local hospital serving children with developmental disabilities. The experience inspired her so deeply that she turned that passion into a career. She devoted more than 30 years to teaching special education in the Pennfield Schools and second grade at St. Joseph School in Battle Creek. After years in the classroom, Mary brought her experience and enthusiasm for special education to her role as a supervisor at the Calhoun County Intermediate School District.

Faith, prayer, and belief in God were at the center of Mary’s life. As a member of St. Joseph Church for almost 50 years, she helped establish an active and impactful Mothers’ Club with several close friends. She took pride in establishing Connecting with Mercy and participating in Stephen Ministry for many years, offering prayer, support, and friendship to those who needed it most.

Away from work and community activities, Mary was happiest creating things. She loved cooking, sewing, and gardening, and took particular pride in the colorful garden behind the family’s Michigan home. Her daughters enjoyed trips to the fabric store where they could choose patterns for new tops, pajamas, and even clothes for their dolls, which their mother would cheerfully sew. She was also a talented artist, a gift she rediscovered in retirement. Mary was blessed with incredible friends and truly enjoyed nurturing those relationships through antiquing trips, book club discussions, and friendly games of Scrabble.

Over the years, Mary became a devoted owl collector, receiving many of her treasures as gifts from family and friends who knew just how much they meant to her. She proudly displayed more than 100 owls in the main hallway of the Michigan home, affectionately known as “owl alley.”

After retiring early, Mary and her beloved husband, Ron, embraced a new chapter of life filled with travel, adventure, and the freedom to pursue their dreams. In 2007, they purchased a home in Green Valley, Arizona, and became snowbirds, spending winters in the warmth and sunshine she loved so much. When Michigan was buried in snow, Mary could often be counted on to report back to her family and friends about the beautiful Arizona weather. She did so lovingly, of course, but her happiness in the sunshine was unmistakable. Arizona became much more than a winter escape; it was a place where she could savor the life she and Ron had worked so hard to build.

Mary met Ron while working at Mar Lee School in Marshall, where Ron was a music teacher. They married in 1972, beginning a remarkable partnership built on love, shared faith, and a deep connection that only strengthened over the years. Ron was the great love of Mary’s life. Especially after retirement, the two were nearly inseparable, happiest when they were together, whether exploring somewhere new or enjoying a sunny day in Arizona. Their relationship was a beautiful reflection of the love, companionship, and happiness they shared throughout their marriage.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Ron; her loving daughters, Erin Schneider (Brian) and Katie Scheuerle; four grandchildren, Kyle, Megan, Brandon, and Ryan; siblings Michael Magner (Denise), Patrick Magner (Cindy), and Anne Farrell (Tony); brother-in-law Jerry Sine; seven nieces and nephews; and countless friends she cherished deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Marie Magner.

A visitation will be held at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care (105 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek) on Friday, October 30, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A rosary will be led at 6:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church (61 23rd St. N, Battle Creek) on Saturday, October 31, at 10:00 a.m. A reception will immediately follow the funeral at the St. Joseph Church rectory.  In keeping with Mary’s lifelong commitment advocating for children and women, memorial contributions may be made in her name to UNICEF or S.A.F.E. Place in Battle Creek . Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.