Mama Mary Schmucker, the beloved star of TLC’s Breaking Amish and Return to Amish, has died at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with colon cancer.
Her son, Andrew Schmucker, confirmed to TMZ that she passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at her home in Pennsylvania due to complications from the disease. She was briefly hospitalized earlier in the week before returning home, where she died surrounded by her family.
Mama Mary first gained fame on Breaking Amish in 2012, where she became known for her warm and nurturing presence, offering guidance to the young cast members as they left their Amish communities to explore the outside world. Her role continued on the spinoff series Return to Amish, where she remained a central figure until her departure in March 2022.
In 2022, Mama Mary was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery. Despite initial hopes, the cancer progressed, and in November 2024, her daughter-in-law Rebecca Schmucker shared on Instagram that she had been placed in hospice care. “She’s not feeling good the last few weeks and can’t keep anything down,” Rebecca wrote at the time. “Her pain has been so bad and they are helping with that.”
Throughout her illness, Mama Mary maintained a connection with her fans through social media, occasionally sharing updates and expressing gratitude for their support. Her positive attitude and resilience inspired many.
News of her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and former cast members, who remember her as a kind and supportive figure both on and off the screen.
Mama Mary is survived by her family, including her sons Abe and Andrew Schmucker, and daughter-in-law Rebecca.
