Mary Ebert

To Mary Ebert, life was about faith and family above all else. She was independent and organized, and she loved an evening out on the town with her husband where they would dance the night away. Mary enjoyed being active, especially attending many of her grandchildren’s events. She carried herself with strength and courage laced with just the right amount of grace which sustained her through the times of adversity throughout her life, leaving a lasting impression on the world that surrounded her.

By the year 1935, our nation had been gripped by the Great Depression for more than five years, leaving people to find creative ways to enjoy life. Families helped families, establishing relationships and bonds that were like deep caverns by the sea. It was on May 23rd of that year that Vincent and Anna Coe, of Shiawassee County, Michigan, were delighted with the birth of their daughter, Mary. Mary was raised on the family farm in Laingsburg where they raised chickens and cows, and grew various crops – all spread out over 80 acres. Mary was also joined in her family by her brother Edward with whom she shared a bicycle at times. She was close not only to her brother and parents, but to her extended family as well as she had many fond memories of playing with all of her cousins that lived on nearby farms. Mary’s father farmed, but also worked at Motor Wheel in order to provide for his family. Times were different during this generation, and Mary recalled when indoor plumbing and electricity came to their house on the farm, opening a new way of life. Mary attended a one-room school house in Sciota Township until she was in the eighth grade when she went to St. Paul High School in Owosso, graduating in 1952.

There were many traits that Mary established during her younger years that remained with her throughout her entire lifetime. She was often active, and especially enjoyed ice skating on the pond as a young girl. From her earliest years Mary was very organized and conservative with a subtle sense of humor. She also understood the value of family, even corresponding with her cousin, Jim Flynn, while he was serving in WWII. Mary was deeply saddened with the death of her brother in 1964, the victim of an automobile accident.

Life was forever changed for Mary when she was introduced to a charming young man through a mutual friend while attending a dance at Edgewood Gardens in Corunna. His name was Roy Ebert, and although there was a bit of an attraction, the couple decided to wait for a bit before they began dating. In fact, they agreed that they would go their separate ways, and if they did not meet anyone else during the next five years, they would get married. Roy went back to the University of Toledo in Ohio, and Mary went on with her life too, working at General Telephone Company in Owosso.

Although Mary and Roy lived apart for a time, their hearts forever remained woven together and they were married on November 8, 1958, at the St. Isidore Catholic Church in Laingsburg. Mary was in for a bit of a surprise at that time as she always thought Roy didn’t have a nice car because he was busy saving his money. However, once they were married, she discovered that she was wrong. Roy didn’t have a nice car because he in fact didn’t have any money! What they were lacking in material wealth, they made up for in love and happiness as they were later blessed with the births of two children, Patrick and Lori. Roy ran several businesses throughout their married life, and Mary eventually returned to her career, finally retiring from Greenstone Farm Credit Services after 26 years of service. They spent the majority of their married life in St. Johns where they were members of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Mary was truly unique and will be forever remembered as such by all who knew and loved her. She and Roy were both talented dancers who loved dancing both polka and waltzes, often after enjoying a dinner out. Everyone knew, however, that Mary’s favorite way to spend her time was surrounded by her family and friends. She was thrilled beyond measure when she became a grandmother, and attended as many of her grandchildren’s school and sporting events as she could. During their retirement years, Mary and Roy enjoyed trips to Ireland where they took in the sights and sounds of a drastically different culture and the magnificent beauty of the landscape.

Life became more difficult for Mary when her beloved Roy died in 2004 after experiencing a brain tumor. Her own health became jeopardized just a short time later when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Mary’s desire to live was strong, and she fought hard - even living in her own home and tending to her own affairs for as long as she was able. She was uplifted by her faith and comforted by her family and friends until the fight became too much, and her body finally succumbed to her illness.

Whether during easy or hard times, Mary Ebert was a delightful woman to be around. She had a warm demeanor and sunny disposition that others were naturally drawn to. It was common knowledge that both her faith and her family were her greatest assets as she was never one to get caught up in the pursuit of material wealth or possessions. To Mary, life was for living, and people were for loving,. She leaves behind memories that will be cherished as priceless treasures by those she held most dear. She will be greatly missed.

Mary E. Ebert died on August 15, 2009. Mary’s family includes her children, Dr. Patrick (Kristin) Ebert of Haslett, Lori A. (Stephen) Thompson of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Ben, Katie, Paige, and Will; brothers, James (Joanne) Ebert of DeWitt, John Q. (Nicky) Ebert of Okemos, Thomas (Tonia) Wynell Ebert of Inman, SC; and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mary was preceded in death by her parents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns with the Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Isidore Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Laingsburg. Visit with Mary’s family and friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, and 2-4 and 6-8 Monday with a Vigil Service being held at 7 p.m. Monday at Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice, 1011 S. US-27, Suite A, St. Johns, MI 48879 or St. Joseph School Educational Trust Fund, 109 Linden Ave., St. Johns, MI 48879.