MaryLee Schibel, age 59 years, former long-time resident of Lambertville, NJ, died suddenly on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at her home in Bordentown Township, NJ.

Born in Doylestown, PA, March 10, 1960, daughter of the late James A. McGuire, Sr. and Eleanor H. McNamara McGuire, she was raised in Lambertville, NJ. She moved to Hillsborough, NJ in 1984 where she raised her family, then to New Milford, PA, and had lived in Bordentown for the past three and a half years.

A homemaker, MaryLee’s legacy is found simply by seeing the love put forth by anyone who met, and was inspired by her. Truly a family person, MaryLee was the lynch pin of her large family.

The fifth of seven siblings and growing up in the middle of the pack, MaryLee was the go-to sibling for both her older and younger brothers and sisters. She could always be counted on to provide a listening ear and sound advice.

Her younger years saw her pushing the limits as most teenagers did in the 1970’s, but everything was always in good fun and was based on truly living each day to its fullest. That glimmer in her eye, coupled with that smile of hers, always was an indication that fun was on the horizon and a life lesson was about to be taught.

Life would change when MaryLee married and her first child, Chris, was born. Finding a new sense of purpose in her role as a mother, MaryLee jumped into that responsibility with both feet. Chris was followed shortly by another son, Erik, and the two were truly the apple of their mother’s eye. She would learn the trials of raising two boys so close in age, but she provided them a safe haven of love and a sense of openness where they could tell her anything and always be their authentic selves.

Their home was a place where friends could gather and learn life lessons under the protective watch of MaryLee, but she also knew the value of letting her son’s grow up. Many of their friends fondly recall that MaryLee was a second mother to them, always providing that same listing ear and sage advice that she did with her siblings years before. And, with growing boys, her legendary cooking skills came in handy as she was always proving food for they boys and their friends-lots and lots of food. From her phenomenal potato salad to any type of baked good, the Schibel house was the place to be for food, fun and family!

MaryLee faced several trials during her life, but through them all she never wavered in her steadfast approach to living a life of kindness and love. She found a hope based in music, and this passion got her through many days. She was very proud of both Chris and Erik as they both had an artistic and musical ability which she fostered in every way she could.

Her love of the “Blues” was well known and she would continuously blast her CD’s on a Friday or Saturday night, to the point where her boys would ask her to turn it down-a reversal of roles for teenage boys and their mother with regards to whose music was louder. She also enjoyed singing and she taught many life lessons through music.

Chris and Erik would grow up and meet their future wives, Brooke and Melissa. Melissa recalls MaryLee wanting to truly be her friend first which gave their relationship a place to grow and develop; that true friendship grew into her becoming a second mother to them both. There was no “in-law” after their titles and MaryLee was so happy to have two daughters in her life.

Loving children was natural to MaryLee because she was a child at heart. She always appreciated the innocence in a child’s eyes and their ability to always be happy and see the world in pure wonder and imagination. It was natural then, for her to be over the moon when hearing the news that her family would be growing and she would soon gain another title.

This new title, “Mimi”, changed her yet again and gave her even more of a purpose to help try and make this world a better place by being a better person to anyone she met. Her grandchildren, Olivia, Cassidy and Dean, were the new shining stars in her life. There was nothing she would not do for her grandchildren. Her connection and bond with them was energetic, and they, in kind responded with a love that only could be felt by watching them interact. It is a love that transcends death itself. It is a love that will help guide them as they travel their own paths of life. It is a love that an innocent child has for the world around it.

Upon her death, her family found several things MaryLee had written down over the years. These sayings touched her heart and she endeavored to live her life with the spirit of these words infused in all of her actions. If all those reading this put the following words into action, then MaryLee’s light will continue to shine for all eternity:

“Be kind to others and also to yourself.”

“The gifts you can leave your loved ones are the memories of great moments shared; them knowing you truly appreciated life and seeing that you were happy while living.”

“The essence of life is unconditional, non-judgmental love.” 

MaryLee is and always will be the epitome of pure and innocent love, and that love is something that will never, ever fade.

Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Erik and Melissa Schibel and Chris and Brooke Schibel; three grandchildren, Olivia, Cassidy and Dean Schibel; her siblings, Stephanie and Richard Epler, Annette and Larry Brodowski, Sarah and Brian Lewis, Eleanor Jean (E.J.) and Angelo Caiazzo, Geoffrey and Donna McGuire, and James McGuire; her best friend who was like another sister, Linda Witek; her former husband, John Schibel; her stuffed pig who was loved by all, Farley; a host of extended family members; and many dear friends.

A private service followed by cremation was held at the Chapel of Ewing Crematory, Ewing Township, NJ, under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Please visit Mary’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a memorial candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor MaryLee’s legacy of unselfish love, those who wish are asked to make a contribution to the, “MaryLee Schibel Legacy Fund” which will assist with final expenses, as well as help support the educational endeavors of her cherished grandchildren. Please makes checks payable to: “In Memory Of and mail to: P.O. Box 5472, Charlottesville, VA 22905. For those wishing to make a contribution online, please visit MaryLee’s personal page by clicking HERE. The family is extremely grateful for all donations in her honor.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”