MARIANNE “MAMA” HEMEL, age 89, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. Born on January 29, 1936 in Cleveland to Alice (nee Grecar) and John Switalski (both deceased). She was the beloved wife of the late Chester Hemel and sister of the late John Jr. and Daniel Switalski.
She is survived by her loving children Linda Graydon (Dave), Dennis Hemel (Justin) and Nancy Hemel and was a proud aunt, great aunt, sister-in-law and grandmother. “Special Grandma” to Brandon (Monica), Jeremy (Nicole) and MaKayla (David). But to everyone who truly knew her-she was simply Mama Hemel.
Those who met Mama never forgot her. She had that rare, magnetic warmth that made you feel like family within minutes. When she loved you, she loved you fiercely. She would give you the shirt off her back without hesitation-and she did it with a laugh and a wink. Her heart was enormous; she carried the people she loved inside it every single day. She was as loyal as she was funny, with a spark that could light up an entire room-and sometimes the whole hospital. From her early years to her final days, she was always the life of the party.
Mama had an independent nature and a quiet pride about her. She never wanted to be a burden to anyone, even when she wasn’t feeling well. Her daughter Nancy-her strong and constant advocate-would often say Mama had a way of waving off help with a joke, a story, or that signature grin that said “Don’t fuss over me.” It was a part of her strength, and it made those who loved her admire her even more.
A lifelong Cleveland girl, Mama was a die-hard fan of her hometown teams-especially the Indians (now Guardians) and the Browns. If there was a game on, you knew where to find her-at home or at a tailgate. When she wasn’t cheering for her teams, she was catching up on her favorite soap operas, hollering at the TV during wrestling nights with Nancy (“SMACKDOWN!”), or mixing up kickin’ Bloody Mary with Linda and Dave-always with a laugh and a story. Dennis kept her up to date on all the latest gossip and made sure she never missed a musical, concert, or guest appearance featuring her forever favorite-Cher.
Mama loved life’s little adventures, especially her trips to Canada that began with her daughter Nancy and niece Kathy. Over the years, these trips became legendary. She had her lucky 7’s machine, her favorite Canadian gravy, and a casino full of friends who adored her. Later, she delighted in showing her son Dennis and his partner Justin her foolproof slot machine tricks-always with Nancy nearby. There was always a method, and there was always a laugh.
Even in her later years, Mama kept her wit sharp and her charm unmatched. The nurses and doctors at the hospital adored her quick comebacks and her “comedy hour” bedside banter. If she wasn’t cracking jokes, she was telling someone to “shut up” in that loving, hilarious way only she could. At the nursing home, she refused to sit with her peers-because, as she’d proudly declare, they were “too old” for her.
Mama Hemel was one of kind-a force of nature, full of life, laughter and love. Her legacy will live on through the countless hearts she touched. She was, and always will be, an icon…just like Cher and Elvis.
A celebration of Mama’s life will be held on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025 from 4-8 PM at GOLUBSKI FUNERAL HOME, 5986 RIDGE ROAD, PARMA 44129. Private burial for family on Friday. For Mama’s visitation on Thursday, please wear your favorite Brown’s or Indians (Guardians) shirt in her honor.
“Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite. Lachanich, Dobranoc, L’Chaim, and Gute Nacht.”
