Obituary of Shellie Mariah McClean

Shellie Mariah McClean, age 76, of Bay City, has left the planet and left it a much better place because of her life’s mission of healing in many forms. She died on August 16, 2025, after living with health issues for several years. Mariah was passionate about life, people and the planet and her life’s career was focused on improving each. Mariah was a lover of nature and treasured camping trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with her beloved four-leggeds. Some of her fondest memories were camping in the UP at Beaver House and Camp 8 Lakes and at the Rifle River Recreation Area.

As a dedicated lifelong activist and advocate Mariah began volunteering in high school with Common Ground, Michigan’s suicide prevention service, assisting the elderly in nursing facilities and participating in numerous social causes and programs. This commitment continued after her move to Bay City with assisting victims of domestic abuse and housing them in her home. In 1975 this led to the development of the Bay Area Women’s Center serving as a Founding Member and on the Board of Directors for thirty years as she continued also to assist other Michigan communities in developing this crucial service.

Mariah was passionate about social causes and was cofounder of the Bay Area Peace Coalition. She helped found the Saginaw Valley Sustainability Society fighting for life impacted by climate issues and was closely involved with the Lone Tree Council and Cooperative Extension’s Challenge and Peer Plus programs.

Upon moving to Bay City in 1973 she joined The Other Room Crisis Center and held the position of Trainer/Volunteer Programs. In 1980 she was hired as Catholic Family Services’ Director of State Research for Adjudicated Youth. This was followed by a move in 1984 as cofounder of Winddancer Counseling and Communications at the Academy Center while also cofounding Earthsinger, a store offering authentic Native American art and earth jewelry. In 1990 she established her private practice, Winddancer Communication and Training Institute, which continued to operate until her death. During this time Mariah practiced as a Reiki Master practitioner and trainer, developed personal growth trainings including the Warriors’ Retreat,

Healing the Inner Child and High Priestess retreats as well as Communication Training for couples, families, agencies and businesses. Mariah was born in Merrill, WI on May 31, 1949, the daughter of the late William Robert “Biggie” and Doris Marie (Schiptstedt) McClean. Also welcoming her to heaven is her treasured baby girl, Aquila McNeal, who left the earth too soon, and her older brother, William Robert, Jr. “Buzz”. Mariah leaves to cherish her memory, her brother, Michael McClean whose support she deeply cherished, and the Badgerow stepchildren Peggy Burns, Ronald, Jr. (Susan), Richard (Kelli) and Phyllis Micolajcyk (Tom). Her memory will live on in her McNeal in-laws Patrick (Anne), Shawn (Lori), Paris (Daryl Syring) and Jon and in the hearts of many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and their children with whom she spent many never-to-be-forgotten trips and life experiences. In particular, two great-nieces, Sarena and Swedin, who have been deeply included in Mariah’s life and her exchange student, Zebo, whom she lovingly embraced as forever family. She will also be deeply missed by her five oldest friends Rose, Marc, June, Brenda and Zip.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at Unity Church, 3736 State Rd., Bay City, MI. Mariah’s Celebration will begin at 3:00 pm with a potluck held at the church café at the rear entrance and, if you choose, please bring a dish to pass. It will include a time to share your favorite Mariah stories and followed with a fire/drumming ceremony outdoors at the Medicine Wheel Mariah was building on church grounds. Please bring a camp chair and a few pieces of wood, if you are able, rattles and drums for the outdoor ceremony (some will be provided). A treasured prayer of Mariah’s will be shared with everyone.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to her heart centered organizations, Bay Area Women’s Center or Unity of Bay City where her love of Native American traditions was lovingly embraced.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.