Mary Schmucker, cherished star of TLC’s Breaking Amish and Return to Amish, has sadly passed away at the age of 65. This heart-wrenching news was confirmed by her son, Andrew Schmucker, in a TMZ exclusive on March 28, 2025. Mary succumbed to complications from colon cancer at her home in Pennsylvania, a disease she was diagnosed with in 2022, which led her to hospice care in 2024.
Throughout her appearance on TLC, Mary transformed into a beloved figure, offering viewers an insightful glimpse into the Amish way of life as her family navigated their paths outside of their traditional community. As the mother of Abe Schmucker, one of the series’ prominent cast members, she became a fixture of the show, leaving a lasting impression on fans.
Her daughter-in-law, Rebecca Schmucker, took it upon herself to keep the audience informed about Mary’s condition over the past few years. In an Instagram update from April 2022, Rebecca disclosed that Mary had undergone colon surgery, highlighting the challenges they faced. By November 2024, she shared a more somber update, revealing that Mary had entered hospice care:
“She’s not feeling good the last few weeks and can’t keep anything down,” she wrote.
As Mary’s health continued to deteriorate, Rebecca frequently requested comfort and peace for her mother-in-law during her final days.
A Deep Dive into Mama Mary’s Cancer Battle
The ordeal with colon cancer profoundly impacted Mama Mary’s life since her diagnosis in 2022. As her condition worsened in late 2024, Rebecca again took to social media to alert fans, indicating that Mary’s pain had escalated significantly, necessitating hospice care:
“She is on hospice now. Her pain has been so bad and they are helping with that,” she wrote.
This post also resonated with Mary’s supporters as they were urged to send prayers and positive messages, emphasizing the family’s desire for her comfort and peace. Unfortunately, in December 2024, Mary faced challenges with eating, which was shared by Rebecca in her updates:
“There really isn’t much to say because she’s doing about the same. She doesn’t want her personal details shared far and wide and we need to respect her wishes,” she explained.
Mary experienced a brief hospitalization leading up to her death, as noted by Andrew. Ultimately, she passed away peacefully at home on March 28, 2025. As of now, the family has not disclosed any plans for a public memorial or further information regarding her passing.
Honoring Mama Mary’s Legacy on Breaking Amish
Mama Mary Schmucker’s journey was immortalized through her roles on both Breaking Amish and Return to Amish. While the shows primarily showcased younger Amish individuals as they sought adventure beyond their traditions, Mary’s role as a mother and elder provided a unique perspective that resonated with many viewers.
She was an integral part of the show’s narrative, especially as the mother of Abe, and her wise and steady manner made her a fan favorite. Even when not in the limelight, her contributions to the show—offering guidance and support to her son and others—did not go unnoticed.
Although Mama Mary eventually reduced her appearances, fans continued to stay connected through her family’s social media, showcasing their love and support. In December 2024, Rebecca stated:
“I’ve been getting a lot of messages asking how mom is doing. Prayers are always appreciated for her pain and for her to be able to rest comfortably,” she noted.
The news of Mama Mary’s passing marks a poignant closure to a journey shared with millions, both on television and online.
For those interested in revisiting her story, episodes of Breaking Amish are available for streaming on TLC.