Devoted, loving wife for over 60 years to husband, Donald (deceased).

Beloved mom to Janice (Greg) Fedo, David (Mary) Hellie,
Robert (Marcelyn) Hellie, Mark (Cheryl) Hellie.

Loving grandma to Shane, Kaitlyn, Giselle, Megan, and Matthew.

Beloved daughter of Dickran and Paranzem.
Loving sister to William (deceased), Alice (deceased), and Virginia (deceased).

Cherished Aunt Mary to Carol (deceased), Leah, Alison, Susan, and Richard.

A kind, compassionate, fun-loving friend to so, so many.

A faithful and beloved child of God.

***

Mary was born in Detroit, Michigan in March 1931 to parents Dickran and Paranzem. Both of Mary's parents were orphaned at a young age in Armenia and eventually immigrated to Canada where they met, married, then moved to Detroit and became U.S. citizens. Mary's father worked for Ford Motor Company in Detroit for many years where he and Mary's mother raised their four children blending Armenian and American traditions centered on love of family.

Mary graduated from Southwestern High School and afterwards worked for the gas company in Detroit. She later met and married Donald W. Hellie in 1957. Donald was of Finnish/Swedish descent, born and raised in Ironwood, located in the upper peninsula of Michigan.  Some may have thought this to be an unusual match at first, but their love and devotion was strong and true. Mary and Don made their home in Dearborn, MI where they raised their four children and enjoyed a very blessed life together for over 60 years.

Mary had many interests. She and her husband, Don enjoyed tennis, golf, bowling, and cross- country skiing. They took their family on annual summer vacations to Don's hometown of Ironwood, Michigan and enjoyed many trips with long time friends over the years. Mary was especially passionate about following professional tennis and for a while, Red Wing hockey with her sister Alice. She also admired the talent of figure skating since she was a young girl. Mary was an avid reader, loved to play card games, and was always working on a crossword puzzle or two.  If you asked her to name a favorite movie, she always answered "Gone with the Wind."

After her children were grown, Mary worked for an insurance company in Dearborn for ten years, but her true career and passion was as a talented and loving Homemaker from which she never retired. She made raising her family look effortless to her four kids though we now understand it was not. And, as her family grew, her love expanded endlessly and unconditionally to include spouses and grandchildren whom she adored! Nothing made her (and Don) happier than when our family was enjoying time together.

Mary also enthusiastically pursued many hobbies and was always busy making beautifully crafted items for her home and gifts for family and friends. Mary's many talents included baking, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, and cross-stitch.  She made many clothes for her daughter and several little matching outfits for her Barbie doll. Everything she made was made with love and are treasured reminders of her love for all who received them.

Mary's journey in her Christian faith started at a very early age in the Armenian culture and then the Lutheran church. As she continued to pursue and deepen her knowledge into adulthood, she and Don taught their children love and faith by example at home and as active members of Hope Lutheran Church in Dearborn for over 60 years.

Mary continued to live out her faith in Christ and in recent years after her husband, Don passed, Mary's church family provided a restoring home away from home. She enjoyed being involved in fellowship and ministry activities including Women of Hope, book club, Bible study, altar guild, and the Noah project providing meals for homeless in the community.  Her Pastor and friends at church tell us Mary was a welcoming, joyful presence at Sunday worship services. She was happiest when helping others and always had a gentle, compassionate ear for anyone in need. Yes, anyone who knew Mary, would agree.

The timing of Mary's death was very sudden and unexpected. At 90 years of age, she enjoyed a very independent and active lifestyle still living in her same familiar, cozy home of over 60 years. She was committed to her twice weekly exercise class at the local senior center and rarely turned down an opportunity to participate in activities with her church family.  Mary seemed to have at least one or two lunch dates with friends planned every week!

Mary's strong faith, generous heart, and love for others has been a blessing and inspiration to all who knew her.  She was truly grateful for every day and everyone in her life and we can be equally grateful for the time we shared with her. Mary (Mom, Grandma, Aunt) you will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Due to Covid-19, private services were held.

In lieu of flowers or gift items, donations may be made in her memory to Hope Lutheran Church, 3640 Madison St., Dearborn, MI 48124