Mary Rapelje Memorial Donor Advised Fund

Mary Rapelje

We had fun, didn’t we?” Anyone who knew Mary Maureen (Doneth) Rapelje can answer her oft-answered question with a resounding “Yes!” Mary made everything fun, from running errands to hosting half the town for drinks, dinner, and making Christmas cookies. Mary loved opening her home to her friends and family and was always able to provide a wise word of advice, a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear. It never mattered how you knew her, or even if you knew her; Mary naturally attracted people to her and she relished enjoying the company of those she knew best – or would get to know soon enough! Everyone loved spending time with Mary, gladly accepting her invitation to “bond”. Whether spending time up north at Walloon Lake, enjoying a wedding or family gathering, or just sitting in her living room, Mary was always the life of the party and the lifeblood of her family. Being in her house was like being on a sitcom; there was always a rotating cast of friends, family, friends’ friends – even an entire basketball team or two. Fiercely compassionate and generous with anything she had to give, Mary accepted everyone and modeled the importance of never judging others.

The family has decided to honor Mary's legacy in the form of that compassion and generosity through this donor advised fund in her memory. This fund will support cancer patients and their families who are in need of assistance to help them navigate their cancer journey.

If you wish to make a gift, please use the online form below. If you would like to mail a check, please make it out to "Bronson Health Foundation" and in the memo line include, "Mary Rapelje Memorial DAF." If you need further assistance or would like to make your gift over the phone, you can reach us at (269) 341-8100 or healthfoundation@bronsonhg.org.