Mary Seipel

Mary S. Seipel, age 54, of Hilliard, passed away at home Friday, July 17, 2015 surrounded by her loving family, following a long battle with colon cancer. She was born to George and Dorothy Hlifka on May 1, 1961 in Conneaut, Ohio. She is preceded in death by her grandparents. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 28 years Kelly; her wonderful sons Joey, Nick, and Robbie; parents George and Dorothy Hlifka; sisters Dolly (Mike) Sherman, Cathy (Bryan) Schwartz; brothers Greg (Cathy), Jim (Lea), and John (Veronica); numerous nieces and nephews; special friends Barb Pfeiffer and Joyce Castorano; and her true companion the last two years Carly (her sweet loving canine).

Mary graduated from The Ohio State University in 1983 with a degree in elementary education. Mary taught for Columbus Public Schools for 27 years impacting many students and fellow educators in a very positive way. After being diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2006, Mary continued teaching until the physical toll of treatments forced her to leave the classroom in 2012. Throughout her long battle, Mary had a spirit that could not be matched and faced many hurdles with courage and dignity that left her family, friends, and doctors amazed. She endured countless procedures, surgeries, 18 sessions of radiation, well over 60 chemotherapy treatments, and countless medications to combat numerous side effects.

Mary’s true impact on this world was her endless giving of herself to anyone and everyone. It did not matter how sick or tired she was, there was a birthday card, anniversary card, or thank you note to send out. She remembered dates and names better than anyone. Her attention to the little things that make people smile or to make their day just a little brighter was very unique. Earlier this year Mary also finished writing her book called the ABC’s of Cancer….A Unique Children’s Alphabet Book. She was truly an amazing woman and her light brightened all she encountered. We have lost a fantastically, loving, giving, lady and heaven has gained a tremendous angel.

For her final gesture of giving, Mary has donated her body to The Ohio State University Division of Anatomy. This gift will play a vital part in the training of future medical practitioners.

The family would like to thank Dr. Tanios Bekaii-Saab for his wonderful and compassionate efforts in providing the best and longest quality of life possible to Mary during her battle. We would also like to thank the James at OSU and Ohio Health Hospice for their wonderful care during these last difficult six months.

Family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, July 21 at Tidd Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard with a prayer service and eulogy at 7:45pm. Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday at 11:00am at St. Brendan Navigator Church, 4475 Dublin Rd., Hilliard with a Celebration of Life luncheon to immediately follow in the school cafeteria. The family requests that for the Visitation and Memorial Mass everyone can honor Mary and wear something with Ohio State on it or simply scarlet and gray as she loved her OSU Buckeyes. In addition, in lieu of flowers you may make a donation in Mary’s memory to Pets without Parents, 629 Oakland Park Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43214 and or The Urban and Shelley Meyer Fund for Cancer Research, 660 Ackerman Rd, 6th Floor, PO Box 183112, Columbus, Ohio 43218-3112.