Mary Jean Poetz
Mary Jean Poetz of Chesterfield, Missouri passed peacefully on Friday, November 13th, 2020. She was born on February 28, 1937, in Moberly, Missouri to Dr. Eugene Kaiser and Mary (Vandenberghe) Kaiser. She attended school at Bishop DuBourg where she met the love of her life and was married to Dr. Robert (Bob) Poetz for over 60 years. She went on to nursing school at St. John’s where she worked in a psych ward. She then moved to Kirksville, Missouri with Bob while he completed medical school. It was there she found her second love, napping while babysitting to earn money. They eventually moved to St. Louis where Mary Jean ended up raising 7 children and many grandchildren, even though she was like a mother to all. She also discovered her passion for botany, starting with the first orchid gifted to her by Bob. This led to her traveling the world to collect plants as her hobby and countless volunteer hours at both Missouri Botanical Garden and Forest Park greenhouses. She is preceded in death by her brother Jerry Kaiser, her son Douglas Poetz, her husband Robert Poetz, and her sister Agnes Ebert. She leaves behind daughters Lisa Sloan, Teresa Poetz, Amy Pille, and Alexandria Poetz, sons Paul Poetz and Devin Poetz; grandchildren Ashley Poetz, Logan Pille, Michael Sloan, Patrick Sloan, and Olivia Pille; sisters Donna Allen and Carol Foshage. She was such a loving, fun, feisty, and amazing woman that will truly be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Missouri Botanical Garden or Flora Conservancy of Forest Park.
My condolences to the family. A beautiful lady with a heart of gold.
Heaven gained an angel.
Much love Lexi and Devin
Aunt Tracey
I didn’t know Mary Jean long but she always graciously welcomed me into her home. She was an absolute sweetheart and I know she will will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family, especially Lexi who took such great care of her.
My condolences to family. I am honored to knew such a beautiful and loving pert
My Deepest & Sincere Condolences Lexi
Mary-Jean Poetz You were my Friend It was an Honor & My Pleasure of working with this past year & getting to know you ???? You have gained your Wings & Now you are flying sooo high for you are free of all pain and suffering I Will Miss you I will Always Cherish My memories & Conversations with You ???? Now get your rest my friend you and Mr Poetz are Together Again FOREVER & EVER ????????????????????????????????
I felt as if I knew Mary Jean Poetz because everyone in this neighborhood still speaks so highly of her. We get kind words daily from those walking the neighborhood. Many neighbors have collected the bulbs from the garden to remember her when they bloom. I’m so impressed by the extraordinary care and attention that Lexie provided for Mary Jean. I have such heartfelt sorrow for your loss Lexie. I know she was a mother to you.
Your Mom was quite a lady and I loved that she kept a smile on her face throughout. I’m so happy to have had the privilege of spending time with your Mom and Dad. They both were kind, generous, and fun people. I remember going to Steamboat with your Dad & Company, and meeting Lisa and Mary Jean for lunch at a quaint little restaurant in a white house. Fun times for sure. Take care Lisa and family.
She was endlessly giving to everyone, especially her children and grandchildren. She seemed happiest when her family was together and well-fed. I cherish memories of her telling me about her adventures in Latin America hunting down gorgeous orchids. I loved her wry sense of humor and her courage and passion to venture out alone on these quests. I always appreciated the delicious and bountiful lunches she packed for Lisa who was happy to swap for my lunch money. (We confessed years later.) She was a loving mother who took great care of her peeps. I hope her passing will bring healing to the family who has benefitted so much from her love and kindness. May she rest in peace.
Dear Lexi,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Even though I only met your Grandmother (Mother) once I felt like I knew her for years. All the hours you and I spent talking about our life’s I knew what amazing, loving, kindhearted women she was. I know she will be deeply missed. You were a wonderful Granddaughter (daughter) to her and I’m sure she loved you more then anything and appreciate everything you did.
Thank you for everything you do for everyone. You are truly amazing young women and a heart of gold, just like your Grandmother (Mother)
Deb R. and family..
It was a pleasure to fly over from Southern Spain to be a member of several of the orchid travels Mary Jean was a part of. She certainly was a good friend and I liked to be in her company. I hope you will have the opportunity to make nice orchid gardens in the other realms. RIP Mary Jean, I’m honored to have known you.
Lexi & Family,
What a wonderful tribute to your Grandmother. What an incredible life! I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and heart! Kelli Hamilton
Our condolences to the Poetz family. Fond memories of Aunt Mary Jean….at Christmas parties with Uncle Bob at his parents home…fishing and fun at Holiday Shores…pool parties…walking through your green house…your great laughter…and wonderful nature. May you rest in peace with Bob and the rest of the ones you loved. You’re already missed here.
I have so many fond memories of times spent at the Poetz household with Lisa. Mrs. Poetz was always there to provide us with a delicious meal, whether it was just a family dinner, sleepover or a pool party.Her laugh was infectious, I will remember it well. Lisa learned from her Mother and Father to be a caretaker. She demonstrated that by talking care of her Father and Mother when her Father was dying.I will always be grateful to Mrs. Poetz and Dr. Poetz for including my Father in their holiday celebrations, when I could not be with him. Mrs. Poetz had a life well spent and will be greatly missed.
Mrs. Poetz was a “GEM” as my mother always said. She made us laugh every time we went over there. She cooked for us (Lisa and her friends) all the time and we couldn’t leave until we had seconds and then she would ask if we wanted more. We were well fed by both Mrs. Poetz and Dr. Poetz. They welcomed us into their home always. She was incredibly self-less, giving, funny, helpful and valued her family like no other. Lisa has learned from the best. Mrs. Poetz always taught us to be kind and fair to others. I have missed you terribly, but now you are with Dr. Poetz having a ball. You will always be close to my heart and in my prayers as you are also Lisa. – I am so sorry for your loss.