Thumb Area Obituaries | Thumbnet.net (2024)

Vernon Kasserman

Funeral Information

Funeral services will be at 4:00pm Saturday, June 1st at the Chandler Presbyterian Church with Rev. Christina Jensen and Rev. David Leineke officiating. Burial will be in Chandler Twp Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 3:00pm Saturday at the church.Memorials may be made to Top of the Thumb Leisure Ministries or Pigeon First United Methodist Church. www.ChampagneFuneralChapel.com

Family of the Deceased

Vern was preceded in death by his wife Sadie, parents and sister Jean. He has no surviving immediate family, but he will be missed by many friends and people who thought of him as family.

Biography

Vernon J. Kasserman, 87, of Pigeon, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Country Gardens Assisted Living in Pigeon.Vern was born June 14, 1936 in Chandler Twp to the late Gordon and Isabella (Young) Kasserman and grew up on the farm where he started driving tractors at 7 years old. In 1956 he graduated from Pigeon High School. He was a lifelong member of Chandler Presbyterian Church where he was the first person baptized. At church he served as an elder for over 50 years and the Sunday School Superintendent. He mowed along the county roads throughout Huron County as a contractor, retiring in 2001. He also worked at Gascho Furniture, operated his own saw mill, farmed, and drove a school bus for Laker Schools. Vern was a founding member of Top of the Thumb Leisure Ministries.

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William Laffrey

Funeral Information

No services are planned. Champagne Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Family of the Deceased

Bill is survived by his wife Roma; children William of Fairgrove, Kristine (Eric) King of Caro, David of Kimball and Robert of Kimball; grandchildren Justin (Alex), Leanna and Renae; great-grandchildren Joseph. He was preceded in death by his sister Donna Mae Zimmer.

Biography

William J. Laffrey, 90, of Bay Port, passed away Monday, May 27, 2024 at McLaren Thumb Region Hospital in Bad Axe.Bill was born February 7, 1934 in St. Clair to the late William L. and Eva Mae (Dandron) Laffrey. In 1953 he graduated from St. Clair High School and then served 4 years in the US Navy as a SeaBee during the Korean War. He married Roma Henne on November 22, 1958.Bill worked for St. Clair Rubber Company and retired from Women’s Life Insurance Company. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He was a member of the Smiths Creek American Legion.

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Douglas Davis

Funeral Information

Funeral Services for Doug will be Friday, May 31, 2024 at 11 am at the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation for Doug will be Thursday, from 4-8pm at the funeral home. Visitation on Friday, will begin at 10am, until time of services at 11 am. A White Clover Service will take place Thursday, at 7 pm at the funeral home.Memorials may be directed to the Port Hope Amvets or the Port Hope Methodist Church in memory.Memories can be shared at www.RamseyFH.com

Family of the Deceased

Doug is survived by his son, Kevin of Port Hope; daughter Cheryl Piepenbrok and husband Tim of Chesterfield, Michigan; four grandchildren—Kristle Madigan (Thomas), Jeremey (Charlene) , Bryan Piepenbrok and girlfriend Nicole Bossio and Sarah Piepenbrok (Marc Demick) also 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and two sister-in-laws Joann Woodke and Jane Woodke.

Biography

Douglas C. Davis, age 93 of Port Hope, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Huron County Medical Care Facility surrounded by family. Doug was born January 11, 1931 in Bad Axe to the late Kenneth & Martha (Ledsworth) Davis. He was united in marriage to Marguerite Woodke on November 25, 1950 in Port Hope. She predeceased Doug in May, 2014.Doug attended Port Hope Community School and graduated in 1949. He served in the Army in Germany for Occupation duty from 1952 to 1954. He was a life member of V.F.W. Post 2358 in Roseville, Michigan, where they resided for over 40 years. They returned to Port Hope after retirement and he was a life member of the Port Hope Amvets, the United Methodist Church and the Port Hope Retirees.

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Violet Halifax-Darling

Funeral Information

Services for Violet will be officiated by Rev. Tim Callow at the First United Methodist Church in Bad Axe at 11am Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Burial will be in Rock Falls Cemetery, Harbor Beach. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 28, 2024 from 2-8pm at Kaufman Funeral Home, Bad Axe and Wednesday at the church at 10am until the time of service at 11am.If you wish to offer your condolences to the family, please go to www.kaufmanfuneralhome.com.

Family of the Deceased

Violet is survived by her children, Ron (Marge) Halifax of Harbor Beach, Gary (Cheryl) Halifax of Harbor Beach, Linda (James) Geiger of Harbor Beach, Betty (Andrew) Juozapaitis of Shelby Township, Randy (Lauri) Halifax of Minden City, and Annette Halifax of Rochester Hills. One sister-in-law, Arlene Winkel of Frankenmuth, 23 Grand-Children, 50 Great-Grandchildren, and 3 Great-Great-Grandchildren.Not only will Violet be reunited with her loves, but also a daughter, Arlene Geiger, 2 grand-Children: Jared Halifax and Lori Geiger, 9 bothers and 2 sisters.She leaves behind an endless supply of wonderful memories as a Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Friend.

Biography

Violet Halifax-Darling, age 94, of Filion, peacefully passed away the morning of Friday, May 24, 2024.She was born on November 13, 1929 to the Late Julius and Ida Winkel. She married Gerald Halifax on August 31, 1948. He preceded her on May 2, 1974. On May 27, 1978, she married James Darling who preceded her on September 29, 2020.Violet was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church and she volunteered as an apple pie maker at their annual apple pie sale. She enjoyed playing cards (especially when playing with the grandkids), going for coffee with the ladies, going for Sunday drives, visiting and spending time with her family and friends.

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Carole Ventline

Funeral Information

Funeral Mass will be Tuesday May 28, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Michael’s Catholic Church of the Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Port Austin. Burial of cremains will follow in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10am until the time of service at the church. KNOBLOCK FUNERAL HOME- KINDE, MICHIGAN 48445

Family of the Deceased

She is survived by her husband, Ken; her children, Jennifer (Roger) Koglin, Michael Ventline, and Ryan (Susan Gavagen) Ventline; her grandchildren, Sara Koglin, Adelyn Ventline, and Noah Ventline; and her great grandchild, Colt. She is also survived by her sister, Julie Mazur.She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard.

Biography

Carole A. Ventline, 66, of Grindstone, died Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at McLaren Thumb Region in Bad Axe. She was born on February 4, 1958, daughter of the late Raymond and Ann (Finlinson) Gielniak. Carole and Kenneth Ventline were married on October 8, 1977. Carole enjoyed the Detroit Red Wings and ceramics.

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Donald Mazure

Funeral Information

A Funeral Mass for Donald Mazure will be at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, St Hubert Parish in Bad Axe, with Father T.J. Fleming officiating. Burial will follow at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11:00am and continue until the time of service at the church. Champagne Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to benefit the St. Hubert Food Pantry.

Family of the Deceased

He is survived by his brothers Edward (Betty) Mazure, Eugene (Elaine) Mazure, Robert (Phyllis) Mazure, Frederick (Mary Ann) Mazure, and Richard (Alicia) Mazure and his sister Patricia (Ray) Geiger and sister-in-law Joyce (John) Shetler. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Emma Mazure, and his brother John Mazure Jr.

Biography

Donald R. Mazure, 80, of Ubly, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2024 at Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. Donald was born July 26, 1943, the fifth child of John and Emma (Maurer) Mazure. Donald will be remembered as a truly special person and family member to his brothers, his sister and many nieces and nephews. He recognized many and enjoyed family and friends who came to visit. The family wants to recognize and express appreciation to the staff of the Medical Care Facility for the loving and professional care of Donald’s special needs.

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Patricia Case

Funeral Information

Visitation for Patricia will be held on Saturday May 25, 2024 at MacAlpine Funeral Home Gage Chapel in Kinde from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Funeral service will be held following at 1:00 PM with Fr. Craig Carolan officiating at MacAlpine Funeral Home Gage Chapel in Kinde.Memorials may be offered to: American Cancer Society. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com

Family of the Deceased

She is survived by her husband Roger, her children; Roger (Kimberly) Case of Frankenmuth, Trudy (Dean) Hatch of Kinde, Dave (Karen) Case of Filion, William (Julie) Case of Kinde; grandchildren Meghan (Brent) Tebedo, Zachary (Abbie) Case, Justin Hatch, Kaylee Hatch, Mason Hatch, Ashley (Rex) Thayer, Kyle Case, Will Case, Emma Case; great-grandchildren Kennedy, Maeve, Lennon; sisters Carolyn (Gary) Kapa, Diane ( Steve) Errer, sisters-in-law Elaine Ignash and Linda Case. Patricia is preceded in death by her grandchildren, twins Tiffany and Joshua Hatch; In Laws, George and Ila (McDonald) Case, brother Edward Ignash, sister Janice and Richard Prezzato, and brother in law James Case. The family wishes to thank Dr. Shisler along with her caregiver’s granddaughter Emma, Sue Piotter, Barb Toner and Jolyn Respondek for their excellent care and compassion during her final days.

Biography

Patricia Ann Case, 82 years old of Kinde, Michigan passed away May 22, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her family. Patricia was born on February 12, 1942 to the late Harry and Lottie (Koroleski) Ignash. Patricia was married to the love of her life Roger Case for 64 years and together they raised a family of four children in Kinde. Patricia was a member of St. Edwards’ Catholic Church. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends up north at their cabin. Patricia was an avid follower of the Detroit Tigers and had a passion for polka music and loved to dance at the Kinde Polka fest. She had a beautiful flower garden which was enjoyed by humming birds which brought her much joy. She will be sadly missed by her four legged companion Buddy.

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Kevin Gracey

Funeral Information

Per Kevin's wish Cremation has taken place and NO services will be held at this time. Diane and her children would like to thank God and the Toni & Trish House of Auburn MI the last 6 days of Kevin's life: for the most caring, comforting and compassionate care that Kevin could have received. He will be greatly missed.

Family of the Deceased

Kevin is survived by his loving wife Diane, whom was his rock especially these past 2 years always telling him to slow down. His Daughter Jessica Gracey of McKinney, Texas, Son, Nicholas "Nick" Gracey of Mount Pleasant, and Step Son Nathan Smalley of Long Beach, CAKevin was preceded in death by his Step-Daughter Amber Smalley in February of 2022. Also Surviving Kevin is his One Very Special (and dear to him) Granddaughter, Calissa Smalley of Texas. His "special brother" Mike Rutkowski of Ubly, nieces, nephews, special friends and family.

Biography

Kevin P. Gracey, 66 of Ubly, went Peacefully to his Heavenly home on Monday, May 20, 2024. Kevin and God blessed his Wife and children, whom he loved dearly, with two extra years of his life with only 15 percent heart function, which was a miracle in itself. Kevin was born in Bad Axe to the late Roland & Genevieve Gracey on September 27, 1957 and graduated from Ubly Community School. In April of 1991 Kevin married Diane (Gorkowski - Smalley) at the Log Cabin Church in Bad Axe, MI recently celebrating 33 years. Together they raised four children. Through the years Kevin worked at factories in Deckerville and Elkton. Then went onto Gettles Car Dealership in Bad Axe, UPS, Ubly Community School as Janitor, Smigielski Funeral Home, than United States Postal Service for 18 years until May 26, 2022 when he suffered Sudden Cardiac Death. Kevin was the proud owner and operator of Gracey's Wash & Wax Auto detailing business since the 80's along with Diane's help. Kevin loved anything sports and was involved in announcing sports activities at the Ubly Schools for many years. It didn't matter if it was girls or boys, football, basketball or golf. He would talk sports often to his two younger children and friends alike. HE LOVED IT!

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David Krueger

Funeral Information

Funeral Services will be Thursday May 23rd 2024 at 11:00 at the Zion Lutheran Church of Harbor Beach, with Dr. Matthew Durance officiating. Burial will follow in Rock Falls Cemetery. Visitation for Dave will be Wednesday from 2-8 pm in the Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach. Visitation on Thursday will be at 10 am until the time of services.Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or American Legion Post 197.Memories can be shared at www.RamseyFH.com

Family of the Deceased

He is survived by his children; Connie Twaro and her husband Tom of Freeland, Dave Krueger and his wife Cheryl of Harbor Beach, Deanna Krueger and her special friend Johnathon of Chicago, Daniel Krueger and his wife Tonya of Marlette, Beth Masters of St. Louis. 8 grandchildren; Melissa, Chad, Angie, Heather, Michael, Shaina, Jayce, Alysse. 8 great grandchildren; Branden, Eleanor, Alexander, Allie and Isabelle, Dayton, Lincoln, and Brinley. 2 Brothers, Larry and his wife Elaine, Mark, and his wife Jean, 1 Sister in law (Jim's Wife) Pat, 1 sister Cheryl, and her husband Dennis Reinstra.He was preceded in death by his wife Edna, Brothers Otto and James and his sister Dorothy.

Biography

DAVID W. KRUEGER, age 91 of Harbor Beach passed away Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Lakeview Extended Care and Rehab Center of Harbor Beach Community Hospital.He was born on January 16, 1933 in Grosse Pointe to the late Otto and Gertrude (Kriewall) Krueger. Dave and Edna Essenmacher were united in marriage on May 12, 1956 in Harbor Beach.Dave was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, and a member of American Legion Post 197 for over 70 years. He served in the US Navy and then sailed on the Great Lakes for one season aboard the L.C. Hanna. He then, along with Edna, opened Krueger Sunoco in Harbor Beach and operated that for about 21 years, making many friends in the process. He also served as a city council member at that time. He then moved onto purchasing a NAPA store in Marlette with his good friend Francis Varty. He operated that store until he retired and moved back to Harbor Beach. He was fond of military aircraft and loved watching the Detroit Tigers. Nothing however was more important to him than his deep faith in God and the love he had for his family.

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Clema Przemytski

Funeral Information

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 1 pm at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. The family will receive guests for visitation on Saturday from 11 am until the service time at 1 pm.Condolences may be shared at www.kaufmanfuneralhome.com

Family of the Deceased

Clema is survived by her son, Clement Gardner, and fiancé, Amanda Tschirhart; granddaughters, Shelby Gardner and Layne Glaza as well as her grandson, Henry Gardner; Sister, Barbara Schmidt; Great Friend, Jakee Osborn; Nephew, Steve Schmidt; Nieces, Michele Lang, and Susie Fulton; many Great Nieces and Nephews; Sister-in-Law, Christine Gohlke; Brother-in-Law, Jim Gardner.She was preceded in death by her Father, Clem Przemytski, Robert Geiger, and her Mother, Ruth Przemytski; Husband, Daniel Gardner; Great friends, Karl Hillerman and Fran Lewis; Brother-in-Law, Mike Schmidt; Brother-in-Law, Matt Gardner; and her beloved dog, Lisa.

Biography

Clema Kay Przemytski passed away on Sunday, October 8th 2023 at Courtney Manor, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 28th, 1951, in Midland Michigan. Clema graduated from Bad Axe High School in 1970. On November 13, 1982, she married her husband of 41 years, Daniel Gardner. Clema worked over 40 years at the Huron Memorial Hospital, answering the O.R. telephone. She bar-tended at The Copper Lounge and worked part-time at Keepsakes Gift Shop in Caseville. She always had her hair and nails done and never missed an appointment. She will always be remembered and missed for her one-of-a-kind personality and her love for Diet co*ke.

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Clarence Fibranz

Funeral Information

Visitation will be held on Friday May 31, 2024 from 10:00am until time of service at 1pm at, MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Burial will follow after the service at Colfax Township Cemetery. Family of Clarence will hold a luncheon to follow at Wilcox Park. Memorials may be offered to the family in care of Robyn Fibranz. Condolence may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com

Family of the Deceased

Clarence is survived by his children Richard (Erika) Fibranz, Robert (Kathleen) Fibranz, Robyn (Josh) Fibranz, Rebecca (Jason) Seemann, and former daughter in law Autumn (Darel) Fibranz; grandchildren Zachery, Andrea (Donnie), Breanna, Brady, Austin, Isiah, Jaxson, Jeremiah, Ian, Isaac, Xavier, and Clover; five great grandchildren Orion, Bentley, Liam, Levi, and Colson. He is also survived by his siblings Ray (Donna) Fibranz, Donald Fibranz, Ricky (Vicky) Fibranz, Beverly (Richard) Wise, Ida (Tom) Haag, Betty (Bill) Haag, Christine (John) Matthews, Norma (Doug) Janowiak, Judith Alexander, in laws, nieces and nephews. Clarence was preceded in death by his wife Carole Fibranz, parents Clarence and Laura Fibranz, his son Patrick Fibranz, siblings Bob and Ada Griffith, Faye Estes, and in laws William and Arlene Jackson.

Biography

Clarence Fibranz, 77 passed away May 13, 2024 peacefully in his home. He was born on December 11, 1946 to the late Clarence and Laura Fibranz. He married the love of his life Carole Fibranz on June 27, 1970. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Clarence also known as “Maze” to some was a kind, loving, hardworking man. He was a self-taught jack of all trades. There wasn’t much he could not do or fix. His favorite hobbies were wood working and camping. When he wasn’t doing that, he enjoyed gardening, baking, tending to his yard, hunting, and most of all spending time with his family. He loved Carole with all his heart. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was liked by almost everyone he met, and many friends who often kept in touch with him over the years.

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Donna Casey

Funeral Information

A graveside service will be at 11:00am Saturday, May 18th at St. Felix Catholic Cemetery in Pinnebog with Fr. George Amos officiating. Champagne Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Family of the Deceased

Donna is survived by her sister-in-law Jean Casey of Port Austin; nieces and nephews James, John, Catherine and Kelly Casey. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother James, and sisters Mary Ann and Helen.

Biography

Donna Jean Casey, 87, of Livonia, formerly of Port Austin, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Corewell Health Farmington Hills.Donna was born April 5, 1937 in Detroit to the late James and Gladys (Bushey) Casey. She moved to Huron County as a child and graduated from Elkton High School. She worked in the grocery business for Wrigleys and Farmer Jack in their main offices. She lived with her sister Mary Ann and together they enjoyed traveling, going to casinos and spending time with family.

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Nancy Kraft

Funeral Information

A memorial service will be at 11:00am Saturday, August 3rd at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church-Berne with visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran School, 7369 Berne Road, Pigeon, MI 48755 or the Michigan Lutheran Seminary Foundation. www.ChampagneFuneralChapel.com

Family of the Deceased

Nancy is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren; her son David (Sherri) of Pigeon, daughter Carol (Joel) Nelson of Muskego, Wisconsin and son Daniel (Elizabeth) of Williamston, Michigan; grandchildren Alyssa Kraft (Dan) of Austin, Texas, Stephanie (Allan) McLean of Shelby Township, Michigan, Matthew (Steph) Kraft of Western Springs, Illinois, Natalie (Micah) Walz of New Berlin, Wisconsin, Eric (Aly) Nelson, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lindsay (Jamie) Langan of Mount Prospect, Illinois, Stuart (Amber) Neils of Petoskey, Michigan, Ella (Josh) Vaillancourt of Holt, Michigan and Grace Kraft of Grand Rapids, Michigan; great-grandchildren Shawn, Ethan, Brody, Cooper, Anna, Caroline, Layla, Mason, Zoey, Sadie, Jack, Lily, Theo and Sutton; Nancy is also survived by her brother, Robert Carpenter of Grand Rapids, sister-in-law Naomi (Gilbert) Wichert and many nieces and nephews.

Biography

Nancy Ann Kraft, 92, of Pigeon, was called home peacefully on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at home.Nancy was born June 12, 1931 in Grayling to the late George and Marian (Breinager) Carpenter. She was made a child of God through Holy Baptism on April 21, 1935. Nancy married Lowell E. Kraft on May 3, 1952 in Bronson, Michigan. They celebrated 70 years of marriage shortly before Lowell’s passing in 2022. Nancy’s sister, Mary Kay Prudden passed away in 2023. Nancy graduated from Pigeon High School in 1949. She attended Michigan State University and later Central Michigan University finishing the last two years of her teaching degree while her children were young. She taught second and third grades at the Pigeon Elementary School in the 1960’s. Nancy always enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She taught them kindness, compassion, and love. Nancy was a gifted homemaker and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Always an optimist, she was a talented seamstress with a fun sense of humor who enjoyed the outdoors, gardening and playing Bridge. She enjoyed traveling with Lowell and spending winters at their home in Boynton Beach, Florida. While in Florida they attended Divine Savior Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach. She has been a member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church-Berne since 1952.

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Mary Greyerbiehl

Funeral Information

Services for Mary Ann Greyerbiehl will be held June 1st, 2024 at Colfax Cemetery. Our angel Mary Ann, we will miss you, never forget you, and always feel honored to be your family.If you wish to offer your condolences to Mary Ann’s family, please go to www.kaufmanfuneralhome.

Family of the Deceased

Mary Ann is survived by two brothers, Edward Greyerbiehl of Columbiaville, William Greyerbiehl and special friend Marie Heleski of Bad Axe, four sisters, Diane Fields of Turner, Mi, Beth Layco*ck of Paris, TN, Barbara (Paul) Armstrong of Chatham, Va, and Patricia McCoy of Bad Axe, as well as several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her step father, William R. Boss, brother-in-laws Dennis Layco*ck, Richard McCoy, and Larry Fields and her special kitty Picky.

Biography

Mary Ann Greyerbiehl, age 83 of Bad Axe, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024 after a short illness.She was born on June 1, 1940 in Bad Axe, daughter of the late Jacob Henry Greyerbiehl and Stella (Dzukola) Boss.Mary Ann was a long time attendee of the Bad Axe Church of the Nazarene and their weekly Bible Study. Her faith was shown through her actions and attitude toward life. Mary Ann loved life and always stayed positive and cheerful even when life gave her immense challenges. At a very young age, she survived an accident that disabled her for the rest of her life, which she endured with grace and dignity. A beautiful smile was an ever presence on her face. For many years, Mary Ann enjoyed working at Thumb Industries Thrift Store up until age 80. Her deeply loved interests were her family, dolls, purses, music records, puzzles, yarn, coloring books with crayons, French fries and potato chips.

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