Mary Ellen Vanciu

life story

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Vanciu (63), who left this world too soon on June 25, 2025. She was born on February 8, 1962, in Lansing, Michigan, to Paul and Arlene Kazee.

Mary was predeceased by her father, Paul Kazee; mother, Arlene Kazee; brother-in-law, Chuck Sutton and niece, Theresa Brown. She leaves behind a rich legacy carried on through her surviving family: children, Ricky Kazee, Christopher Paul Vanciu, and Shawna Huelsnitz (Jesse); grandchildren, Aaron, Calvin, and Chloe; siblings, Paul Kazee (Siu), Gail Sutton (Mike), and Jill Kazee; nieces, Janice Brown, Amy Chapman (Corey) and Christie McBride; former spouse Chris John Vanciu, father of Christopher and Shawna and step-father to Ricky; and Fernando Hernandez, father to Ricky, along with many more family members and friends.

Mary was authentic, witty, funny and spiritual. She was also a fighter, something many recognized throughout her life, and which became even more apparent during her battle with Cancer.

Before her illness, Mary was known for her exceptional singing voice and was especially beloved for her renditions of two of her favorites: "Jolene" by Dolly Parton and "Stand by Your Man" by Tammy Wynette. She also had a deep love for the beach, or really, any body of water. She enjoyed lying in the sun, boating, or floating on her tube. More recently, she even took up kayaking at her cabin in Fifty Lakes, Minnesota.

Mary's presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in every trip to the beach, in the sounds of classic country music, in laughter, in love and in the memories and hearts of those who loved her.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

A service has not been scheduled at this time, however, our intention is to plan something before the end of September to celebrate and honor her. More information to come.