Mary Katherine Rowell Schell

Mary Katherine Rowell Schell (Mary Kay) passed away peacefully on September 22, 2024 at the age of 76, surrounded by her loving family.
She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose devotion to her family was at the heart of everything she did.
A lifetime resident of the Peninsula, Mary Kay attended York High School and graduated from Old Dominion University. Before starting her family, she worked as an internal auditor for the Navy, a job she was proud of, but she left her career to dedicate herself to caring for her family.
A woman of spunk and creativity, Mary Kay had a special talent for decorating and growing flowers, which brought beauty and joy to her home. Her numerous projects sometimes led to a messy home, but it was always full of love and personality. Above all, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She treasured every moment with them and almost never missed preparing Sunday dinners or celebrating a grandchild’s birthday in South Carolina.
Mary Kay is survived by her devoted husband, Wayne Schell; her son, Barclay Schell, and his wife, Rebecca; and her daughter, Melissa Stark, and her husband, Richard, her sisters Debbie Alger and Karen Woodward, sister-in-law Pat Schell, and mother-in-law Mary Anne Schell. She was the proud grandmother of five grandchildren: Amber Schell, Carsyn Schell, Ethan Stark, Tyler Stark, and Naomi Stark, all of whom brought immense pride and happiness to her life.
A celebration of Mary Kay’s life will be held at 12:30 PM on September 26 at Grafton Christian Church. Prior to the service, at 11:30 AM there will be a family visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to Grafton Christian Church, honoring her generous and loving spirit.
Mary Kay’s presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, kindness, and family devotion will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in eternal peace.