Mary Kathryn Agnello, born September 8, 1927, passed away on May 29, 2025, at age 29. You read that correctly, she would insist.

Mary Kay is remembered for her devotion to faith and family, which she demonstrated daily. On your birthday, you could expect a card in the mail and “Happy Birthday” sung over the phone. She opened her doors for countless holiday parties, polenta parties, parties with themes, she’d create exclusive invite-only parties you’d hope to get an invite to, parties with dozens of people, or just for you on a random evening. There was always an extra seat at her table, and no one was a stranger. She once received a wrong number, and by the end of the call, she’d taught them how to cook a turkey. Other Mary Kay trademarks: her infectious laugh, her ability to make everyone feel so special & loved, her perfectly manicured nails, and her ability to command the kitchen, whether it was dinner for two or a Thanksgiving feast for 60 (of course always served on china and never a paper plate in sight).

She is survived by her children Judith (Edward) Knitter, James (Marge McKindles) Agnello, Mary Lou (William) Hussey, and Carol (Steve) Kelly; grandchildren Jennifer (Johnny) Brown, Rachel (Justin) Sieferd, Jonathan Knitter, Kathryn (Scott) Humes, Erin Hussey (fiancé Adam Brown), Amanda Smith (fiancé Joey Radtke), Aubrie Agnello (fiancé Nick Waugh), and Alyson Agnello; great-grandchildren Stella, Miles, Joey, Juliet, Cali, Owen, Taylor, Liam, Mara, and Delilah; brother Donald (Carol) Mott; sister-in-laws, Shirley Green and Patricia Mott; many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends including Cody Kohls her “adopted grandson”.

Mary Kay was preceded in death by her husband & love of her life Richard Agnello, her parents James and Lucy Mott, her brothers John, Tom, James (at 2 years of age), and infant brother Andrew, and her siblings-in-law Albert & Doris Agnello, Connie Mott, Mary Ellen Welch, and Cas Green.

Mary Kay attended Pershing High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College. In her young adulthood, she taught high school for several years. She and Richard were married on August 19, 1950, and soon built a home and a family together. She then raised her family in the same house where she’d live for the next 61 years until the day of her passing. After her children were grown, she worked as a bookkeeper for a private real estate investor whose family, the Cohens, she considered part of her own family. In 1980, Mary Kay and Richard bought their beloved boat, Happy Ours, which hosted many family gatherings every summer through the next two decades. She loved her neighbors and her neighborhood, Wood Creek, where she served as Road Commissioner for the neighborhood association and in 1990 earned an award for Resident of the Year. As a member of Zonta International, she earned the honor of Woman of the Year. Mary Kay joined St. Colman’s Catholic Church in 1964 and was an active member until it closed in 2013. She then continued her faith journey at St. Fabian Catholic Church, where she cherished her time in the church choir.

Later in life, as Richard became ill with Alzheimer’s, Mary Kay stood strong in her vows over his remaining years, caring for him and showing her family what love truly means. They were fortunate to celebrate 56 years together on Earth. And now it’s time for Mary Kay to push off the dock with Richard, friends, and family once again for endless “Happy Ours” on the boat together.

Visitation for Mary Kay will be held Tuesday, June 3rd, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd. Farmington Hills. She will lie in state on Wednesday, June 4th, at 10:00 a.m. until the time of her Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Fabian Catholic Church, 32200 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. Mary Kay will be laid to rest in Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly.

Memorial donations in Mary Kay’s name may be directed to Henry Ford Hospice or The Capuchin Soup Kitchen.