Mary Louise Ferm's Obituary
Mary Louise Ferm, age 89, of Spring Lake passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2007, at Oak Crest Manors in Spring Lake. She was born March 5, 1918, in Lima, OH, to Dr. Wilbur and Florence (Markham) Casler, and she married William Paul Ferm on February 23, 1939, in Houghton, MI. He preceded her in death on December 1, 1979.
Mary grew up in Marquette, MI, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Northern Michigan College as well as an occupational therapy degree from Milwaukee Downer. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Pschology and Education from the University of Michigan and was employed as a special education teacher at Fruitport Community Schools for 17 years. She was a member of Delta Sigma Nu, Home Economics, French Club, Orchestra, Glee Club, chorus, the junior class play, D.A.R., and Order of the Eastern Star. She also served as a Girl Scout Leader.
Mary truly lived her life to the fullest through traveling, reading, painting, channeling, silver-smithing, lapidary, swimming, hiking, and playing cribbage and bridge. She also enjoyed knitting, rock club, and playing the flute and piano.
Survivors include three daughters: Gwendolyn (John) Hladki-Luke, Judith (Richard) Chesley, and Peggy (Roger Rich) Squires; a son, Roger (Setsuko) Ferm; seven grandchildren: Scott (Margie) Hladki, Sandy (Roger) Stone, Alec (Penny) Chesley, Diana (Jeremy) Zimmerman, Kimberly Ferm, Diana (Phil) Fisher, and Byron Ferm; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Mildred Walker of Falls Church, VA, and Caroline (Charles) Covey of Fairfield, CA; two sisters-in-law; and a brother-in-law. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, William.
The service for Mary will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 16, 2007, at the Lee Chapel of Lake Forest Cemetery with Rev. Gerald Poehl officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the Lee Chapel. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorials to Hospice of North Ottawa Community, http://www.noch.org/hospice.html, are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com
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