Mariell (Mary) Waltner, 44, died by suicide on April 19, 2025, in Chicago. She was born May 14, 1980, in Freeman, S.D., to Keith and Sharon (Graber) Waltner.

While a student at Freeman Academy, she was active in athletics and music. She participated in Honors Choir, All-State Orches­tra, Sioux Empire Youth Symphony and the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. She appeared frequently as a guest vocal solo artist with the Sioux Falls Municipal Band.

She was baptized in 1996 at Salem Mennonite Church, where she re­mained a member. She graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Bethel College with majors in music and German, during which she was thrilled to have the opportunity to study in Vienna, Austria, for a year. She pursued further study in vocal performance and literature at the University of Notre Dame, where she received a master of music degree in 2005.

From South Bend, Ind., she moved to Chicago, where she spent the next 20 years. She toured Taiwan and Eastern China singing opera and jazz crossover, culminating in a performance at Taiwan’s national concert hall in 2010.

In recent years she pursued training in life coaching with the Mindset and Quantum Energetics program. She worked with individ­uals, women’s groups and businesses to culti­vate a growth mindset and help these entities optimize their potential and human capital.

Mariell was dedicated to building community with people at the margins. She served at emergency shelters preparing food and present­ing musical programs. She planted trees and flower bulbs for the city of Chicago. At Chicago Community Mennonite Church she participated in music, childcare and kitchen duties.

“Tante Mariell” spoke freely about her lifelong struggle with bipolar depression. Many will remember her winsome smile and gregarious affect. She loved people fiercely and was a consummate encourager. She was talented, organized, creative and an extremely hard worker. She could not, however, overcome her own deep pain. If it precipitates and normal­izes authentic, honest conversation about the fragility of mental health, her death will not have been in vain.

Survivors include her beloved partner, Kent Thomas; parents Keith and Sharon Waltner; siblings Tim (Laura) and Anne (Rolf Olson); and 102-year-old grandmother Alice Graber.