Mary Pape

Feisty and determined, Mary Pape was never afraid to speak her own mind. She had a heart of gold, and was always ready to lending a helping hand to those in need. She took folks in and cared for them, and was known as the “popsicle lady” in her neighborhood for handing out popsicles to all the kids. Above all else, however, Mary was devoted to her beloved family, and dedicated her life to caring for those she loved. Mary’s kindness, compassion, and humor will live on in the hearts and minds of all those whose lives she touched, both as a cherished memory and as a source of inspiration in the years to come.

The 1930s were in many ways a somber decade, sandwiched between the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and World War II. For proud parents James and Ruby (McCrackin) Henderson, however, these difficult years were brightened by the birth of their daughter, Mary. Young Mary came into the world on July 18, 1939, and shared her birth year with the opening of the World Fair in New York, the sale of the first air-conditioned car, and the release of the blockbuster hit The Wizard of Oz.

The Henderson family lived in Garner, Arkansas, but relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan, when Mary was only one year old. James supported his growing family as a custodian at Western Michigan University, while Ruby worked at the paper mill. With five children in the family, there was never a dull moment in the Henderson household, and Mary grew up with siblings Dorothy, Wilma, James D., and Carol. When the time came for Mary to go to school, she was enrolled in the Kalamazoo school system. She attended Kalamazoo Central through the tenth grade, and enjoyed running for the school track team.

Mary became a married woman on February 14, 1956, and although the marriage would eventually end in divorce, she was blessed with four children: Debra, Kim, Julie, and Michael (Micki). In addition to raising the children, Mary also worked at the Lockshore Dairy ice cream store. It wasn’t easy being a single mom, but Mary had enough pluck and determination to tackle any challenge. Mary was even willing to try her hand at car repair – she was under her car with her legs sticking out when her neighbor, Henry Pape, took pity on her and came out of his apartment to help. Mary invited Henry to dinner to thank him for coming to her rescue, and the rest is history. Henry was the love of her life, and the happy couple was married on December 4, 1965.

After the wedding, Mary and Henry moved to Plainwell, Michigan. Henry raised Mary’s children as his own, and they loved him very much. For his part, Henry brought some pets to the marriage; the best that could be said, however, was that Mary tolerated them! The Pape family lived on a farm, where they raised pigs and cows. Mary loved working in her flower gardens, and had a beautiful yard. She was also a wonderful cook, and the whole family looked forward to her Christmas peanut brittle.

In her free time, Mary loved to bowl, and even worked at Plainwell Lanes for a time. A veteran of many bowling leagues and tournaments, Mary was a top area bowler, and served as president of the Big Ten Bowling League. She traveled to Las Vegas and Colorado to visit family, although by and large Mary was a homebody, and was happiest when surrounded by her family at home. She enjoyed country music, and was known to cheer on the Steelers, the Lions, and the Tigers.

Kindhearted and compassionate, feisty and fun loving, Mary was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members.

Mrs. Mary A. Pape died on October 28, 2013, at the age of 74. Mary’s family includes her children, Debra (Rick) Pape, Kim (Dennis) Maxson, Julie (Garry) Hatten, and Michael (Remy Kahus) Roberts; her grandchildren, Heidi, Heather, Link, Clint, Shaun, and Brandi; her great-grandchildren, Gage, Tayler, Dakota, Brock, Logan, KC, Cole, Maddie, Macie, Clayton, and Noah; her siblings, Dorothy Belmont, James (Wilda) Henderson, and Carol Brooks. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 24 years, Hank; her sister, Wilma; and a friend in later years, Les Long.

Visit with Mary’s family and friends and view her life story film from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell, 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 31, at the same location. The family would like to thank Borgess for the excellent care that they provided Mary and the whole family. Memorial donations can be made to The American Heart Association. Please visit Mary’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read her life story, archive a memory or photo, and sign her memory book online before coming to funeral home.