Mary Helen Reitz (nee Martineau) aged 97, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025. She was born on June 12, 1927 as the third of four children of John and Emma (Reichert) Martineau. She attended St. Luke’s parish grade school and graduated from Maplewood High School. On November 26, 1949, she married Joseph F. Reitz, Jr, and they enjoyed 38 happy years together until his death in 1987. She is survived by their children Mary Ann Steiner, Jeanne Russo, Tom Reitz, Bob (Lisa) Reitz, and Joe (Mary) Reitz III. Mary’s 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild will miss her cookies, playfulness, and attention.
Mary was a remarkable homemaker, cook, and seamstress. A faithful friend and generous neighbor, she loved to plan and host events, play tennis, ice skate, head out to the family farm, and visit with her many friends and large family.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Brentwood, MO at 9:30am Thursday, May 1st, 2025. Burial immediately following at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to the Missouri Conservation Department Heritage Foundation www.mochf.org.
The family is especially grateful to her good neighbors and the staffs of McKnight Place and Evelyn’s House for their exceptional care.
It is always hard to lose a parent.
I sure love the memories of Aunt Mary. Praying for the family.
Our hearts are sad. Much love and prayers for a truly special lady.
I will never forget how she introduced me to blueberries at breakfast on her back porch, and celebrated my 21st birthday with champagne in her kitchen. My love to all her family, Pam (Conley) Franta
Rip Mary. You were a great friend!
Your Mom was such a good friend to my Mom. She always enjoyed our family and we enjoyed our wonderful neighbors in Brentwood.
I remember staying the night at your house and your Mom and I shared milk and gram crackers at the kitchen table because I couldn’t sleep.
Very sweet memories.
Such a life well lived is to be remembered.
Mary Ann – Peace be with you and your family.
Hi Mary Ann, my mom told me tonight that you had called to let her know that your mom has passed – we are so sorry to hear this sad news!
I have great memories of your mom (and your dad) at the ice cream socials that we went to when we were kids. My mom and dad (Bill and Louella Phipps) thought the world of your parents!
God’s blessings and comfort to you and your family…
Dear Mary Ann and all of the Reitz-Steiner-etc family,
Though I never met your mom, I have such a deep appreciation for her strength, tenacity, party-planning and celebratory approach to life! The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, and so her many gifts and best characteristics certainly remain alive and well in all of you! I imagine her homecoming was joyful! I imagine her planning and hosting great parties in heaven for beloved family members, old chums and schoolmates, and other friends and neighbors. Praying for an abundance of exquisitely happy members to help you through this very significant loss. Peace and love to you all!
Mary Ann, thank you for letting me know that your mom passed away. I have fond memories of all the dairy meetings we attended together over the years and will miss our phone calls. Your mom was a wonderful friend to all who knew her!
Sending prayers to your family.
Bob and Family,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.