Mary Colleli ‘76
Mary Helen Colleli, of Columbus, passed away on November 15, 2025 at the age of 67. She was born on July 10, 1958, in Toledo, Ohio to the late Donald and Carolyn (Vande Kerkhoff) Adamshick. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her child, Angela Colleli. She was a 1976 graduate of St. Francis DeSales High School, and married her husband, Mark Colleli on April 24th, 1982.
Mary Helen was a highly accomplished singer, guitarist, and all-around musician. With near-perfect pitch and a natural ear for music, she taught herself how to play guitar in her early teens and started singing for funerals and weddings as early as age 14. She often accompanied herself on the acoustic guitar as well as the Irish harp. She played for many years in the St. Anthony Folk Group, and would often cantor for weekend masses at St. Paul, St. Anthony and Holy Family parishes. Her rendition of Ave Maria was a particular favorite amongst church-goers and would rarely leave a dry eye in the house.
Mary Helen was an avid reader all her life. She particularly enjoyed reading to others and often hosted reading hours for her children’s grade school classes. She also applied her vocal talents as a volunteer reader for Voicecorps, an organization that provides audio recordings of print media for those who are blind or have low-vision. In addition to music and reading, Mary Helen’s other hobbies included crochet, baking, crafting, and miniatures. She also received her black belt in Aikido and was a frequent practitioner of Tai-Chi.
Mary Helen was a devoted mother and grandmother, taking great pride and enjoyment from raising 5 children and helping care for her granddaughter. She was a devout Catholic and ardent supporter of the Pro-Life movement, often working with organizations such as Ohio Right to Life, Birthright, and Pregnancy Decision Health Centers.
Mary Helen was known as an incredibly warm, out-going, and compassionate person. She made friends wherever she traveled, was welcoming and kind to all, had a silly and fun sense of humor, and an all-around zest for life.
Mary Helen will be greatly missed by her husband, Mark; children, Sean (Brandi) and grandchild Eleanor, Scott (Mara), Luke (Jackie), Laura (Logan), and Christopher; and numerous extended family and close family friends.