Mary Simpson

Mary Simpson added much to the lives of others. She brought great joy and love to her family, and was a well loved friend. Through her teaching she left an undeniable mark as she touched many with kindness and skill. Although a strong woman, Mary never held back when it came to expressing her emotions. Above all, she treasured her family, and counted them as her greatest blessing. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The year 1945 marked many changes in the history of America. The slinky made its debut to the delight of children everywhere, and radios were tuned to the likes of Bing Crosby, Perry Como and the Andrews Sisters. The victorious end to World War II brought joy and celebration the world over, and in the city of Plainwell, Michigan, Bernard and Mildred (Brown) McGuire had even more reasons to celebrate. On January 23, 1945, they lovingly welcomed the birth of their daughter, Mary into their hearts.

Growing up on the family farm, Mary enjoyed a typical childhood for the times alongside her siblings. The middle child of eventually nine children, their home was often bustling with activity along with the many chores that go along with a life of farming. Raised in faith, Mary came from a strong Catholic family who were devout in their Catholic faith. Mary attended Martin Public Schools and during high school she landed her first job working at Boysen’s Grocery Store.

An outgoing and likable girl, Mary entered the Martin beauty pageant where she was a runner up for the title of Miss Martin. It was during high school when Mary met the love of her life. From the moment Clark Simpson asked her out on a date, the two were nearly inseparable. Clark picked Mary up for their first date in his Studebaker Lark and together they enjoyed a movie at the Plainwell Drive-In Theater. Although in love with a future that looked bright, their education was a priority.

After Mary graduated from Martin High School in 1963 she began attending Western Michigan University. She worked hard on her studies, and in time also began planning her upcoming wedding. Mary and Clark were blessed in marriage on August 5, 1966 in a ceremony before family and friends. After earning her BS degree from WMU in 1967, she took a position with the Allegan Public Schools teaching Home Economics. In time they began a family of their own.

Blessed abundantly, Mary was overjoyed with the birth of her son Jeff, and later welcomed another son, Stan. During the boys formative years Mary remained at home to devote her time to them. Family meant everything to Mary. She was involved in her son’s activities and never missed any of their sporting events. As a family they enjoyed great times at their family cabin in White Cloud, Michigan. It was Mary’s favorite place to be where she treasured the presence of the family she held dear.

When her boys were older she began teaching again as a substitute teacher for Martin Public Schools. During her summers off from teaching, she also worked at the Hidden Valley Golf Course. During this time, Clark worked for Clark Equipment in Battle Creek, Michigan. When they closed the plant in Battle Creek, he transferred to their Kentucky plant. With their youngest son still in school, Clark commuted home to Michigan every weekend to be with Mary and their family for three years. Once Stan graduated from high school in 1990, Mary packed up and moved to Kentucky to be with Clark. Although getting through those three years was quite a feat, Mary’s great organizational skills not only served her well at work, but at home too as she handled many things on her own.

After making Nicholasville, Kentucky their new home, Mary’s outgoing and good natured spirit paved the way. Well liked by many, she enjoyed many special, new friendships. She was a wonderful friend and had the ability to be a good listener. After moving to Kentucky, Mary began working as the office manager for Allied Custom Kitchens, and remained there for over ten years. In her free time she enjoyed much. With many friends and family in Michigan, she was dedicated in keeping up with everyone back home. She kept in touch and never lost contact with those that meant so much to her. Mary also enjoyed sewing and cooking, and was an avid reader, especially books authored by Nora Roberts. She also liked to golf. With the soft coolness of the well manicured lawns beneath her feet, she usually did so barefoot, which was so typical of Mary’s light hearted nature and often uncanny personality.

Among the many things in Mary’s life that brought her joy, she counted the days of both her son’s weddings and the gift of grandchildren as the most cherished times in her life. She loved her grandchildren dearly and had tremendous love to share with them. Whenever she had the opportunity to bring her family together, Mary was right on top of it. She was considered the family social event planner and organizer, and always made the best laid plans for everyone to have an enjoyable time surrounded in the warmth of each other’s company. Along with her wonderful sense of humor, Mary also possessed a tremendous memory which came in handy in many areas of her life.

Around the time Mary turned 50 years old she began having health challenges. A strong woman, she never allowed her health issues or the obstacles associated with them to stand in her way. She always remained strong, upbeat and typically bounced back. When her health began turning for the worse on November 9, it was cause for concern. At the age of 65, Mary sadly died on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky.

Mary Simpson was many things to many people. Foremost, she was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She wore her emotions on her sleeve, yet gathered undeniable strength when she needed it the most. Family meant the most to her, and in their company she found the greatest joy. Sadly missed, she leaves much to be remembered in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Members of Mary’s family include her husband, Clark; sons: Jeff Simpson and Stan (Mary) Simpson; grandchildren: Courtney, Kaylee, Brody and Kara; brothers and sisters: James (Carol) McGuire, Joseph (Jackie) McGuire, Patricia (Russ) Miner, Colleen (Terry) Cichon, Carol Smith, Peggy (Mark) Kuiper, Daniel (Andrea) McGuire, Rosemary (Larry) Ashbaugh; sisters-in-law: Cathy (Ken) Pardee, Christine Dunn, Cheryl Simpson; several nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents.

Learn more about Mary, view her life story film and visit with her family and friends on Sunday, 7-9 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home-Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams St. (685-5881) where the Rosary will be recited at 8:30 PM followed by a brief time of sharing memories of Mary. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 6, 2010, 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2036 20th St., Allegan, Michigan. Please visit Mary’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, submit a memory or photo, sign her guest book online before coming to the funeral home and to make a memorial donation to Sacred Heart Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund.