Mary Katherine Welch

Mary Katherine Welch, born February 16, 1965, passed away on August 28, 2026.

Mary will be remembered as a woman with a giving heart who was always thinking of what others needed. She was young at heart, full of fun, and often the life of the party. Friendly and warm, she never met a stranger and made friends easily, including with all of her neighbors. She was someone people could always talk to when they needed comfort, kindness, or understanding.

In her younger years, Mary was very athletic and enjoyed playing softball and soccer. Throughout her life, family remained at the center of everything she did. Her family came first, and she especially loved being a grandma. She found great joy in buying for her grandchildren and in caring for the people she loved, even when it meant going without herself. She taught her children not to judge, to be a friend to anyone who needed one, to be thankful for what they had, to treat people the way they would want to be treated, and above all, that giving feels far better than receiving.

Mary also leaves behind tender memories that will endure in the hearts of those who loved her. Her daughter will always think of her when she sees a butterfly. Mary loved butterflies, and one cherished memory was a clay box her daughter made for her in sixth grade, topped with a butterfly and bearing the words, “You are My Butterfly.”

She is survived by her children, Brittany Leigh Kaczmark and Brittany’s partner, William Scherffius, and Ian Wolfgang Kreitler and Ian’s partner, Andrea Dickherber. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Serenity Page McFerron, Destiny Faith McFerron, Liam Mark Scherffius, Jayden Hill, Maddison Lindsey Kreitler, Brookelyn Rose Kreitler, Heidi Lynn Kreitler, and Aubrey Lainey Kreitler. She is further survived by her sisters, Kimberly Derby, Janice Elaine Pierre and her husband, Roger, and Michelle Westenberger; by her brother, Albert Ivo Welch, Jr.; and by many other family members and friends who were blessed to know her.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, Albert Ivo Welch, Sr.; her mother, Shirley Lu Welch; and her brother, Steven Allen Welch.

Visitation will be held on September 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, St. Peters, 837 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, St Peters, Missouri 63376. A memorial service will follow there from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Mary Katherine Welch will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her generous spirit, her open heart, and the lasting love she gave so freely to her family and friends.