Mary A. Hertel, 79, died on Friday, September 23, 2022, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Born May 14, 1943, in Portland, Indiana, she was the only child of Mildred Cecilia (nee Moran) and Anthony Stephen Brinksneader.
Mary grew up on the maternal family farm in Adams County, a farm that has been in the family since 1874. She attended Coldwater, Ohio, High School, graduating as class salutatorian in 1961. Mary earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ball State University. She was a Social Worker for 31 years at Family and Children’s Services in Allen County. On November 18, 1976, Mary married Richard Hertel, the love of her life, and he survives. Mary enjoyed travel, reading, flower gardens, all variety of wildlife, and especially time at the farm.
A Mass of Christian Burial to honor Mary's life and legacy will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 3, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, with visitation one hour prior.
Following the mass there will be a visitation at St. Mary of the Presentation Catholic Church, 5790 E. 1100 S. Geneva, Indiana, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm, with burial and committal at the church cemetery immediately following.
A visitation will also take place from 5:00 to 7:30 pm on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to either of the two churches or to a worthy cause of the donor’s preference. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Mary's family may be shared at www.McCombandSons.com.
