Mary Moritz

Like the colorful array of gladiolas that lined her home, so was the life of Mary Moritz. Whether large or small, no job was too big for Mary. She always did what needed to be done, and she did it well. Selfless in all ways, Mary put her heart and soul into everything. With a servant’s heart, she was the force that encouraged her family to be strong. Just as the sweet scent of hand-picked lilacs will forever be a reminder of Mary’s love and devotion, so too will her loving and heartfelt ways be treasured in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

The year 1921 found Americans working at a fevered pitch while good fortune could be found throughout the nation. As the economy soared during the Roaring Twenties, the sweet sound of jazz and Babe Ruth baseball was all the rage. America was experiencing a time of rapid growth and on January 29, 1921, Clarence and Edna (Eisler) Damon of Dallas Township, Michigan experienced the blessing of their first child with the birth of a daughter they lovingly named, Mary. The oldest of three daughters, Mary’s father was a hardworking farmer who also worked at Sealed Power to support his family. Her mother was a dedicated farmer’s wife who instilled in Mary the gift of giving without ever expecting anything in return. As devoted members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fowler, Mary and her family attended church faithfully. She remained a dedicated member there her whole life through.

Mary also attended the Fowler Public schools. In grade school she and a group of friends often enjoyed playing baseball. Although she always played any position that was needed, she always preferred playing in the outfield. Her passion for baseball continued throughout her life as she followed the Detroit Tigers as an avid fan. While in high school Mary met a fellow classmate who held the key to her heart. Louis T. Moritz was a handsome fellow and quite smitten, the two began dating. She went on to graduate from Fowler High School in 1938 and before long Mary and Louis were in love. On May 14, 1941 their love was blessed in marriage and before long Mary began experiencing the joy of motherhood.

During the summer when the men worked in the fields at her Uncle Charlie's farm Mary was sure to make them a good hearty meal. With either a casserole of her delicious baked goulash or homemade macaroni and cheese, Mary packed the picnic basket and set out for the farm. She waited patiently until they saw her which was followed by sharing a nice picnic lunch. From an early age Mary was devoted and dedicated in everything she did. This trait was clearly evident as she loved and nurtured her family.

For Mary, there simply wasn’t any job too difficult, or above her. She drove tractors, mowed the lawn, fed the cows, worked in the gardens, helped fix the house, ran errands and went grocery shopping, cooked meals and even cared for the older members of her family to mention a few. With a giving spirit, her joy was found serving others. She was content being the behind the scenes type of person who kept everything on track and in place. With the needs of others coming before her own, Mary possessed the type of patient nature that is hard to come by. She preferred keeping others in the limelight while she held them up.

Strong in her faith, the Lord was the rock for which Mary placed her trust. She was always willing to help others, and did so especially at church. For many years she served on the altar guild and taught Sunday school for a time. She was always at the ready with a welcoming hug, loving smile and hands to help. She made it a point to check in on and care for elderly members of her family, and did so with loving regard for over 45 years. Whether babysitting her grandchildren or dog sitting for her children, whenever Mary was needed, she was there. Rarely, if ever, did she say no to anyone.

Family traditions were important to Mary. She loved gathering with family to make potato pancakes, and always made it a fun time by encouraging the children to help. Every Friday or Saturday night was usually set aside for family night. With popcorn or caramel corn she made in hand, Mary and her family gathered together on these special nights to watch their favorite television programs. Holidays were truly a special time for Mary as well. For many years Thanksgiving feasts were spent at her Aunt Vera and Uncle Karl’s farm. In time Mary graciously began hosting the gatherings in her home and lovingly worked hard to make sure everything was in place and that everyone was taken care of.

At Christmas time Mary could always be found in the kitchen making her traditional goodies, especially Divinity fudge, her specialty. She made sure the tradition was carried on and spent many hours over the years with her children and grandchildren teaching them the finer points of making the delicate delicacy. If she wasn’t making fudge Mary was often working on a batch of cutout cookies. As usual, she was sure to get the children involved with cookie cutting and frosting. No matter what Mary was baking, she always offered the beaters to be licked clean by the kids.

Besides her family and helping in the many ways she did, Mary found joy working in her gardens. There she found peace in the many flowers she so loved. Each spring the scent of lilacs filled her home and irises always lined the perimeter of the farm buildings. A vast array of gladiolas filled her gardens and yard. Hundreds in number, they were so beautiful and plentiful that people often stopped by wanting to purchase a bouquet or two. For Mary, summers were spent in the garden. She always got up early and did much to nurture and tend to her plants. With the fruits of her labor, she spent many fall afternoons canning and freezing. When the kids came home from school, the smell of cooking tomatoes or warm peaches filled the air, often to their delight. Mary also loved working crossword puzzles and reading novels. Whenever anyone visited Mary, she always had a book or puzzle in her hand.

Mary lived on her family property for over 65 years. She worked and loved the land, truly appreciating the memories that touched her heart there. With her giving spirit, Mary gave freely and abundantly to those whom she loved and adored. Sadly, At the age of 89, Mary died on Friday, August 20, 2010. She leaves cherished memories that will remain as treasures in the hearts of those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her husband Louis on April 2, 2009 and her daughter, Nancy Lou in 1950. She is survived by two sons: Clare Edward (Ann) Moritz of Grand Ledge and David Charles (Susan) Moritz of Elsie; two daughters: Kathy (David) Mensing of Tucson, AZ and Ann (Alan) Becker of Potterville; four grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; two sisters: Rosaline (Fredrick) Witt of Tucson, AZ and Elaine Phinney of Clinton, UT.

Funeral services for Mary will be held on Monday, August 23, 2010, 11:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fowler and burial at Mt. Rest Cemetery with Rev. Paul Clark officiating and her grandson, Pastor Randall Moritz assisting. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Sunday, August 22 at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Home, Fowler and from 10-11 AM Monday at the church. Memorials to the St. Paul Lutheran Church Building Fund. To learn more about Mary, leave a favorite memory or photo and to sign her online guest book, please visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com.