Mary Helen Jewett Schmeitzel, 82, of Apex, NC, passed peacefully Tuesday morning following a short illness. She was born in Delaware County, Ohio to Russell Allen Jewett and Helen Jane Rutherford Jewett. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Jewett and sister Jean Evans. Mary Helen was a strong but gentle woman, and her love was special. She and her husband, John, shared 62 delightful years. She will be greatly missed by her husband John Joseph Schmeitzel, four children Karen (Ron) Hilton, Allen Schmeitzel, Peggy (Scott) Wilson, and Dianne (Gary) Bauman, and three wonderful grandchildren, Braden Kane Bauman, John Louis Schmeitzel and Denise Lynn Schmeitzel. A memorial service was held on Friday, March 5, 2010 in the Apex Funeral Home Chapel, 550 W. Williams St. in Apex. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.apexfuneral.com.