MARY RIEBENACK Obituary

MARY ANN RIEBENACK, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Anderson, Ind., she was a daughter of Franklin and Stella Smith. After graduating from high school, Mary Ann went on to college and graduated from Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Ind., where she met her future husband, Walter, while he was attending the University of Notre Dame. While Walter was attending Notre Dame Law School, Mary Ann taught high school in South Bend, Ind. After Walter's graduation from law school, they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, for a short time and then moved to Fort Wayne where they raised their daughters, Angela and Kristen. In 1976, she founded Worthington's Women's Apparel, which she successfully owned and operated until she retired in 1996. Mary Ann enjoyed entertaining and decorating her beautiful homes, and holidays at the Riebenacks' were great fun enjoyed by family and friends. Mary Ann was a very gracious hostess. However, her real and true passion was being a wonderful homemaker and loving mother to her children. Mary Ann also had a grand time meeting her friends, of which she had many, at Germanfest and Greekfest. Mary Ann especially loved the baklava. Delightful times were also had tailgating at Notre Dame football games. Rent a motor home, pack the food and libations and some good friends; Mary Ann loved those times. Remember, Mary Ann was a terrific hostess. And then there were the motor home trips to the Green Bay Packers - Minnesota Viking games at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Again, great times which Mary Ann loved. Mary Ann was a member of the Saint Mary's Club of Fort Wayne. Every year she enjoyed meeting the new first year students that would be attending Saint Mary's College before classes began. Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Walter Riebenack; and her daughter, Angela (Dennis) Cecil of Indianapolis, Ind. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Kathryn Paul; and daughter, Kristen Riebenack, whom Mary Ann loved dearly. Service is 11 a.m. (EST) Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Mary Ann's services will be livestreamed at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church's website at https://seasfw.org/livestream which will be available 15 minutes prior to the start. Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, June 14, 2021, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne. Interment will be in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorial contributions for Mary Ann are encouraged to Matthew 25 Health & Care, 413 East Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46802. For online condolences, visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com

05/27/2025 JEC

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