COLUMBUS – Central Ohio has lost one of its leading advocates for the homeless.
Officials with the Open Shelter announced Monday that Mary Beittel died Saturday at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer.
Mary and her husband, Kent, founded The Open Shelter and have managed it for more than 30 years.
She had blessed the lives of thousands of our homeless neighbors with her gifts of insight, wisdom, resources, and genuine respect and compassion. She has enriched the lives of countless volunteers with whom she joined and guided in opportunities for coordinated service and sharing. She has been the ally of all who genuinely cared about community stability and inclusion, and a champion for all who needed and ally. –Open Shelter statement
Mary Beittel is survived by her husband, five children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The family asks that community members and friends join them Saturday, August 26, at the Snyder- Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Dr., Delaware, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. for a period of reflection.
A memorial celebration service will be held 4:00 p.m. Monday, August 28, at Broad Street United Methodist Church, 501 E. Broad Street
Her children have asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to The Open Shelter, 61 E. Mound St. Columbus, Ohio 43215.