Mary Elizabeth Muntz

She was born March 19, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of the late Raymond and Elsie (Eberhardt) Vanderwall.

Mary spent most of her life In Florida, prior to moving to Fredonia to be closer to her son. She loved the village and drives in the WNYS countryside. A Sunday staple. Trees, birds, lakes, and mountains were joys to her. Walking in the woods was a special delight, including walking up the creek by her grandfather’s Bedford, Ohio farm. She also had lived in Rochester, Minn., and was very involved with the Women’s Auxiliary of the Mayo Clinic.

Professionally, Mary graduated from the renowned Cleveland Art Institute and became a very skilled commercial artist. A fiercely independent bohemian spirit, Mary lived a simple life focusing on her many passions. Mary was a gentle sole, a dreamer with many eccentricities. She was loyal friend to many but could be quite cantankerous at times. This Included speaking her mine at all times. She was an intense reader of nonfiction with emphasis on history and biographies. Within the family, she was known to be wickedly smart and unquestionably the most knowledgeable and well-read member. Her granddaughter, Jean, felt “an hour with grandma was better than any history lesson.” An hour also meant climbing through a labyrinth of books and treasured objects.

Possessed with a unique sense of adventure, Mary also had a passion for history, travel, art, books, antiques, and literature. She instilled all these qualities in her son and grandchildren. She loved them all most dearly. Many visits and pictures of them brought her great joy. In the 1960s Mary would embark on extensive road trips with her young son. They visited historic towns, Civil and Revolutionary War battle fields, museums and national parks. Never missed were the Smithsonian Institution, National Art Gallery, Gettysburg, Mystic Seaport, Mount Vernon and the beloved Cleveland Art Museum. Mary was the kind of person who would stop to read any historical marker on the highway, admire a tree or inspect wild flowers.

She was very proud of her parents, both of whom serviced in France during World War 1. Elsie was an U.S. Army nurse and Raymond a sergeant in the line. They both shared an interest in art. Her brother Raymond (U.S. Navy), who preceded her in death, was always deeply missed.

In her later years, Mary took great pride in knowing all her grandchildren had found their own path in life and personal happiness. She was also secretly religious. She embraced closeness to God in a personal way and let her beliefs shine through In her collection of religious art, crosses and carvings of the Virgin Mary. She loved Christmas hymns.

Her son honored her wishes to remain independent, which gave her the opportunity to enjoy her final days surrounded by her books and other cherished possessions. Her signature advice included, never stop reading, always express gratitude to others, write letters, eat a banana every day and shop at Salvation Army for “the good stuff.” She outlived her own projections saying often, that “if I knew I would live this long, I would have taken better care of my teeth.” Mary died peacefully in her own bed, in her sleep with her beloved parakeets by her side.

Mary’s final contribution to our beloved country was to cast an absentee vote for President Donald J. Trump.

Survivors include her son, Jon A. (Sharon) Muntz, MD; four grandchildren: William Brian Muntz of the Netherlands, Gregory Alan Muntz of Denver, Colo., Jean Emily Muntz-Fruchart of Sarreguemines, France, and Kathryn Anne Muntz-Arouville, of Woodworth, La.; and nine great-grandchildren: Rowen Cade Muntz, Jude Greyson Muntz, Kal Oliver Muntz, Finn Iver Muntz, Lucy Ellowyn Muntz, Lee Alan Muntz, Elle Sophia Muntz, Samuel James Arnouville, Hugo August Fruchart and August Eberhardt-Muntz.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. Mary will be buried with her departed family members in Bedford, Ohio.

Arrangements are by the McGraw Kowal Funeral Home.

To post condolences or memories go to mcgrawkowal.com.