Death Announced of Mary Kathleen Sterck (Grisky), of Germany, formerly of Old Lyme

Mary Kathleen Sterck (Grisky), 66, of Ubach-Palenberg, Germany, died May 15, 2026.

Mary’s greatest gift was the way she loved. She possessed a rare joie de vivre, finding beauty in ordinary moments and making everyone she met feel seen, valued, and understood. She listened without judgment, offered wisdom with kindness, and brightened even the heaviest day with her smile.

Raised in Old Lyme, Connecticut, Mary’s infectious spirit drew people to her from childhood, where neighborhood adventures often found her happily reigning as the queen of a loyal troop of friends. She loved Anna Maria Island, Bavaria, and Paris, adored animals (especially cats) and found joy tending her flower gardens.

Her kitchen was the heart of her home. Cooking was her love language, and every meal was an expression of generosity, bringing family and friends together with warmth and comfort.

Nothing mattered more to Mary than her daughters, Amanda Leigh van Liessum and Catherine Ann Houlihan, who were the center of her world and the recipients of her boundless love.

If love could have kept her here, she would have lived forever.

Mary is survived by her husband, Martin Sterck; her daughters, Amanda (Martin) van Liessum and Catherine Houlihan; and her sister and best friend, Donelle (Michael) Krajewski.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your local animal shelter.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this year; details are to be determined.