Mary Pate was born November 29, 1943, in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Noel H. Schnell, Jr. and Mary T. Cattaneo. Mary graduated with honors from Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Memphis. A talented pianist, she was office manager for her Dad’s construction business for nearly 15 years. In January 1975 she married the love of her life, C.M. Pate, and they shared more than 49 years of marriage together until his passing in 2024. Mary and C.M. and founded Pate Hydraulics which they operated for more than 40 years. Mary managed all the business administration and office, working side-by-side with C.M. every day.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, C.M., and her brothers John Schnell and Noel Schnell. She is survived by her brother Lonnie Schnell (Barbara); her sister Florence Reinhardt; two stepsons Jeff Pate (Krystal) and Christopher Pate (Alicia); two stepdaughters Tracy Boyle (David) and Mary Frances Hampton (Shane).
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at Christ the King Catholic Church on Monday October 12, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 am, with a funeral mass beginning at 10:00 am. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Her burial will be held at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.
