Mary Young Presnell's Obituary
Mary Young Presnell, age 81, of Spring Lake passed away Friday, November 24, 2023. She was born during WWII in a makeshift infirmary, in a castle near Glasgow, Scotland, to Harry and Agnes “Scottie” (Reid) Brassington. In her early years she lived in a small lakeside village in England, and at the urging of her grandmother, Mary (Young) Reid, immigrated to the United States with her family through Ellis Island when she was 7 years old. The family lived in the Grand Rapids area, and Mary graduated from Creston High School. She married Keith S. Houghtaling from Fremont, MI. After they divorced in 1970, Mary was left with only $100 in her pocket and two young children. She worked very hard and raised them on her own as a single mother. Mary met Odie, the love of her life, and shortly thereafter moved to Spring Lake when they married in January 1983.
Mary was hired as a receptionist at the Hillman, Baxter and Hammond law firm in 1970, and worked there for many years, eventually becoming the office manager. After moving to Spring Lake in 1983, she worked at the Grand Haven law firm Scholten & Fant for many years until she retired. Mary became a naturalized citizen in 1987, taking the oath of citizenship from her daughter, with Hon. Douglas W. Hillman presiding. She was a member of the American Legion Post 28 Auxiliary (Grand Haven), and enjoyed gardening, boating and traveling. In her younger years she played softball and participated in team bowling, once scoring the perfect 300. Mary was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, and beloved friend, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by two children: Kelly (Mitch) Van Dyke of Spring Lake, (grandchildren, Brad (Amanda) and Jonathan (Kristy Bootsma) Swiftney, Jerrit and Trace Van Dyke) and great grandchildren, Millie and Addy Swiftney, and Chad (Jen) Houghtaling of Grand Haven (grandchildren: Hannah Houghtaling and Megan, Claire, Grace and Jackson Kamsickas); three siblings: Bonnie (Dave) Makarewicz, Val Kropewnicki, and Catherine (Gary) Ehlers and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, (Olen) Odie Presnell (2009), and grandson, Matthew J. Van Dyke (1998).
Funeral service will be at 3:00 pm on Friday, December 1, 2023, at Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church. Visitation will be held 4-7pm on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St. Spring Lake, MI 49456. Interment will take place in Spring Lake Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Mary may be sent to Love In Action, (326 N. Ferry St., Grand Haven, MI 49417). Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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