Obituary of Mary Ann Sidell

Mary Ann Wheeler was born on July 13, 1945 in Lenoir City, Tennessee. She was the third of six children born to James Houston and Edna Mae (Farris) Wheeler. As a young girl, Mary relocated to Monroe, Michigan graduating from Monroe High School with the Class of 1963. She was blessed with two daughters, Joy and Traci. On New Years Day 1975, Mary wed the love of her life, Harold “Al” Sidell, at Calvary Baptist Church and she welcomed Al’s son, David, into her life. A devout Christian, Mary was a parishioner of Heritage Baptist Church in Monroe where she frequently attended Bible Study. She was always sure to start every day with reading her Bible.

Mary embarked on a twenty plus year career in education when she began her employment as a part-time secretary for the Monroe County Adult Education Consortium. She moved into the head secretarial position for the Monroe/Mason Alternative High School and later added duties for the Monroe Public Schools Expelled Students Program. During a reorganization of the Consortium in 2000, she transferred to the Airport Community Schools Alternative High School and Adult Education programs. Not only did Mary handle all her secretarial tasks with the highest level of competence, but she also brought many of her personal attributes and talents to the job. Students shared their personal stories with her as a trusted confidant. If they came to school hungry, Mary had a stash of Campbell’s soup, a loaf of bread, and a jar of peanut butter tucked away in a box under her desk ready to fill their bellies. Many days she’d arrive to work with a warm pot of sloppy joes, chili, or spaghetti to share. An excellent photographer, Mary often snapped pictures of the students to highlight their activities and accomplishments. Her kind-hearted attention and recognitions were deeply appreciated by all. Mary retired in 2007, however her involvement in education did not end there.  She became very active in her grandchildren’s schooling as well as volunteering to serve as a chaperone, baker, photographer, or any other position that was needed.

Aside from the special people in her life, Mary’s favorite subjects to photograph were flowers and wildlife. An avid walker, she kept her eyes open in search of different bird species. Mary cultivated vegetables every year and looked forward to her favorite season being the Autumn harvest. Her specialty meatloaf and homemade spaghetti sauce left no doubt that she knew her way around the kitchen. Everyone loved her Mississippi fudge cake, biscuits and gravy, and scratch made waffles for breakfast. Mary frequently went back home to visit her family in Tennessee. She especially enjoyed stopping in during “Decoration Day” at the cemetery to assist with adorning the burial sites of her ancestors. The Sidell’s also took a memorable trip to Cancun, Mexico and a cruise to the Bahamas. Mary made many friends on the bowling league at Monroe Sport Center and through a monthly Bunco club which she enjoyed since the 1970’s. Mary also enjoyed Saturday morning breakfast with friends.

Mary Ann Sidell, age 78, of Monroe passed away peacefully on Monday; April 1, 2024. Her passing was preceded by her parents; three brothers: James, Carl, and Roger Wheeler; her sister: Mildred “Midge” Hines; and a special aunt and uncle: Juanita and Jessee Russell. 

To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband of nearly fifty years: Harold “Al” Sidell; two daughters: Joy Drewior of Tampa, Florida and Traci (Adam) Allerton of Monroe; her step-son: David (Suzie) Sidell of Clarksfield, Ohio; four granddaughters: Brittany Pearch, Braelyn Pearch, Jenna Allerton, and Danielle (Josh) Paul; two grandsons: Davey Sidell and Derik (Amanda) Sidell; four great grandchildren: Brooks, Elliotte, Stevie, and Wrenley; her brother: Wade (Michelle) Wheeler; a brother in-law: Fred Hines; two sisters-in-law: Virginia Wheeler and Betty Wheeler; many nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather on Monday; April 8, 2024 from 3:00pm until 8:00pm and Tuesday; April 9, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:00am at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held on Tuesday at 11:00am also at Merkle’s followed by a procession to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan for burial.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Association, alz.org.