Mary Skelly

Dates

Obituary

Mary Skelly, 69, of Columbus, OH, formerly of Mitchell, SD, passed away Monday, August 11, 2025, at Kobacker House in Columbus. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, September 2, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mitchell.

Mary Frances Skelly was born April 2, 1956, to Michael and Mary Jo (Ebersdorfer) Skelly. She grew up in Mitchell and graduated from Mitchell High School. Mary continued her education at Dakota Wesleyan University, earning a double degree in psychology and sociology. In 1979, she moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she built a remarkable career. She began working at International Harvester and, after many company changes, retired from Core Molding Technologies Inc. in August 2022, having dedicated 41 years to the company.

Mary will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, independent spirit, and strong will. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a caring heart, and was fiercely loyal to her friends and family, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Mary's love for animals was a significant part of her life. She had many beloved dogs and cats who were her family and companions. At the time of her passing, she was devoted to her German Shepherd, Chief, who was always by her side.

Her life was also enriched by a close circle of friends who became like family. She shared a lifelong bond with Paula Welch and Mary Jane (Schott) Goodman, both of whom she met in school in Mitchell. After moving to Columbus, they lived near Mary, and their families became an important part of her life. Mary was a loving and devoted “aunt” to their daughters, Jasmine (Paula's daughter) and Ahunia (Mary Jane's daughter). She also forged a special friendship with her coworker, Wyatt Worthington, with whom she loved spending time and talking. Their bond was a source of great joy, and they shared many cherished and fun times together.

To her sister Karen, Mary was much more than a sibling; she was her very best friend. Their one-of-a-kind bond was built on a foundation of shared joys and unwavering support through life's many challenges. Mary was always there for Karen, offering constant companionship and support, and she held a special place in her heart for Karen's children, Laura and Michael. She will forever be remembered as the best sister anyone could ask for.

Mary is survived by her sister, Karen (Skelly) Purcell, and her husband, Stan, of Duluth, Georgia. She also leaves behind her niece and nephew, Laura and Michael Purcell, also of Duluth, Georgia, as well as her late brother Patrick's daughters, Sumer and Michelle Skelly, and her great-nephew, Case, all of Bremerton, Washington. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Mary Jo Skelly, and her brother, Patrick.

Mary faced a year-long battle with endometrial cancer with immense strength and fierce determination to fight. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a cancer research foundation in Mary's honor.

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Cemetery