Mary Catherine Wittreich

Mary Catherine Wittreich, lovingly known as Mary Kay, passed away on March 22, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 84. She was born on May 7, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Gerald Clifford and Catherine Clifford (née Kelly) and lived a life full of strength, humor, and personality. She is now reunited with her husband of 59 years, Richard Wittreich, who preceded her in death in 2024.

Mary Kay is survived by her sisters, Gerry Byrne (Robert Byrne deceased) and Ann McNamara (Bill McNamara); her daughter, Mary Therese Miesbauer (Darrin Miesbauer); her son, Mike Wittreich (Michael Shuey); her grandsons, Ryan Miesbauer (Kelsey Miesbauer) and Justin Miesbauer (Morgyn Miesbauer); and her four beloved great-grandchildren, Kayden, Kamryn, Kynslee, and Weston; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was known by many titles, Wife, Mom, Sister, Grandma, Great Grandma, Mary Kay, Catherine, The Diet Coke Lady, and The Queen. No matter the name, one thing was certain, she was deeply loved and admired by all who knew her. She loved her friends with all her heart, and once you knew her, she genuinely cared about you and invested in your life.

Mary Kay was proud of her Irish heritage and was the definition of the Fighting Irish. She was a fighter from the very beginning. After contracting polio in 1952, just a few years before the vaccine became widely available, she carried with her a lesson she never forgot. A nun, that she met while in the hospital, once told her, “The world is not going to change for you, you are going to need to adapt to the world.” And change she did, with grit, determination, and a fierce independence that stayed with her throughout her life.

As the wife of an Air Force veteran, Mary Kay embraced the military life, living on bases across the United States and in France before settling in Mesa, Arizona, when Richard was stationed at Williams Air Force Base.

Mary Kay had strong opinions, especially when it came to food. She never met a vegetable she trusted, often claiming a green bean once tried to kill her, and she firmly believed Diet Coke was the secret to a long life. It was hard to argue with her.

She was a devoted member of Christ the King Catholic Church, where she worked and volunteered. In retirement, she spent time crafting and giving back through volunteer work at a local hospital.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often taking them on scooter rides and hosting memorable parking lot picnics that, to them, felt like grand adventures.

If you ever asked Mary Kay how she was doing, you likely got her signature response: “I’m U.C.B., Upright, Crabby, and Bitchy.” It was classic Mary Kay, honest, sharp, and always good for a laugh.

Her wit, strength, and unmistakable spirit leave a lasting imprint on everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 24th at 11:00AM.

Christ the King Catholic Church 1551 E. Dana Ave. Mesa, AZ 85204

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Children’s Hospital of your choice or your local nonprofit hospice.