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Breaking Amish Star Mama Mary Schmucker Dies at 65 After Cancer Battle
Mary Schmucker, known to fans as Mama Mary from the reality television series Breaking Amish, has passed away at the age of 65. Her death follows a courageous two-year struggle with colon cancer, which had unfortunately spread throughout her body.
Mama Mary’s Rise to Fame
Schmucker gained prominence on Breaking Amish in 2012 and further captivated audiences in the spin-off show Return To Amish. She appeared alongside her son Abe and daughter-in-law Rebecca, becoming a beloved figure for viewers of the TLC series.
Details Surrounding Her Passing
Her son, Andrew Schmucker, confirmed Mary’s peaceful death at her Pennsylvania home on Friday. This followed a brief hospital visit earlier in the week. Andrew, currently traveling from Arkansas back to Pennsylvania, shared that the rest of Mary’s family has been notified of the news, according to reports from TMZ.
Mama Mary’s Cancer Journey
In April 2022, Mary underwent surgery for colon cancer. Initially, doctors believed the cancer had been completely removed. However, in June of the same year, she received the devastating news that the illness had progressed to stage three.
By November of last year, Rebecca publicly disclosed that Mary was receiving hospice care and facing severe difficulty eating, unable to keep food down.
Breaking Amish star Mama Mary Schmucker has died at age 65, following a two-year battle with colon cancer that ultimately spread all over her body
Television Career and Fan Favorite Status
Mary Schmucker’s initial foray into the public eye was on Breaking Amish, a reality TV show that aired on TLC from 2012 to 2014. She also featured prominently in its spin-off, Return To Amish, which aired from 2014 to 2023.
These programs explored the lives of young individuals from Amish and Mennonite backgrounds as they grappled with the tension between modern society and their traditional upbringing.
Abe and Rebecca emerged as central personalities in the series, and Mary, as Abe’s mother, endeared herself to many viewers through her appearances.
Leaving Return To Amish and Cancer Diagnosis
In March 2022, just prior to publicly revealing her colon cancer diagnosis, Mary Schmucker announced her departure from Return To Amish.
In April 2022, she shared her colon cancer diagnosis within a Tupperware sales Facebook group, mentioning her upcoming surgery, as reported by In Touch Weekly.
Two days later, a friend posted in the same group, relaying positive news: ‘I spoke with Mary this morning. She said the doctor believes he was able to remove all of the cancer!! And she is returning home today!!’
Progression of the Illness and Second Opinion
However, by June, Mary disclosed in the group that her cancer had advanced to stage three and that she was seeking a second medical opinion.
‘After my surgery, they indicated they had removed all the cancer,’ she recounted. ‘Two weeks later, they contacted me and said: “You need to come back in immediately.”‘
Mary first rose to public attention on the TLC series Breaking Amish, which ran from 2012 to 2014; she is pictured on an episode of the original series
She was also prominently featured on its spin-off Return To Amish (pictured), which ran from 2014 to 2023, along with her son Abe and daughter-in-law Rebecca
She further shared her concerns and determination: ‘Now, they are telling me I have stage three cancer, almost stage four. Chemotherapy is reportedly ineffective for stage four. So, why should I even undergo chemo?’
Despite this daunting prognosis, she reassured her friends of her resolve, stating: ‘But I am not accepting their assessment as final; I am pursuing a second opinion.’
Hospice Care and Final Update
Last November, Rebecca posted a photograph of her mother-in-law on Instagram, accompanied by a heartfelt update on her deteriorating health condition.
‘I am requesting prayers for mom. She has been unwell for the past few weeks, unable to keep anything down, and experiencing difficulty eating,’ Rebecca wrote.
‘She is currently in hospice care. Her pain has become severe, and they are providing assistance to manage it. If you could, please send her an abundance of positive messages and pray for her comfort and freedom from pain. Thank you!’ Mary’s daughter-in-law concluded.