Mary Mitchell

Mary’s positive, fun-loving attitude made her a woman everyone loved. No matter where she was or what she was doing, Mary was always surrounded by her family and her large circle of friends.

The 1920s were known for prohibition, jazz music, and flappers. Less known is the fact that during this time filled with glitz and glamour, Ferd and Emma (Dhaenens) Lockwood welcomed their second child. On June 26, 1920, baby Mary joined her older sister Alma Louise as part of this growing Kalamazoo family. There would ultimately be 5 Lockwood children, though Alma Louise, tragically, died at the age of 8 due to spinal meningitis. Ferd Lockwood provided for his family by working at Kalamazoo Paper Company. Emma Lockwood, meanwhile, cared for Mary and her siblings on the family farm in Galesburg. Surrounded by countryside, Mary spent much of childhood outside. She loved nature and any excuse to wander through breezy fields of wildflowers.

Mary attended Comstock Schools until her freshman year and transferred to Galesburg for the duration of her high school career. She graduated in 1938, just as America transitioned from the Great Depression to World War II. Since Mary aspired to be a teacher, she began classes at Western Teacher’s College.

Mary completed the two-year program on schedule and immediately accepted a position at Nunica Schools in a one-room school house. Sometime later she transferred to another school in Three Oaks. While teaching, she lived with school board members and assisted them with household chores to earn her keep. After three years, however, Mary was ready for a change. She wanted to be closer to home and began searching for a new position. Soon she landed a job at KVP in the files office. Though it had little to do with teaching, this position allowed Mary to live and work in Kalamazoo and, as an added bonus; it gave her more income than teaching ever had. But as is often the case, this job led to another position Mary had never anticipated.

As a fluke, Mary began working at the Upjohn Company and ended up staying there for the next 30 years, serving as secretary in the Research Department. Though she enjoyed going to work everyday, Mary was definitely NOT known for being a “morning person.” She came in late now and again, but it became her trademark. Even so, Mary never left work until her work was done.

In 1952, at the age of 32, Mary moved back in with her parents. Her mother and father were getting older and welcomed their daughter’s help around the farm. Mary remained there for the next several years, being there for her parents along with other family members. Only after her mother and father's deaths (in 1978 and 1981, respectively) did Mary once again live on her own.

To Mary, however, it mattered little where she stayed because she was always on the go. Never one to sit at home, she and her good friend Bev Adams would often spend their afternoons exploring Kalamazoo and many spent many vacations together. Mary was also active with St. Augustine Church and was a member of many prayer groups there, as well as the Marion Guild. She volunteered at church a lot. Often, she gave rides to members who had no other means of transportation. Always enthusiastic and smiling, Mary was happy to be a dedicated member of her church. She continued to be active with the church while living at Friendship Village and Woodside Assisted Living. Mary appreciated the church volunteers coming out with Communion as she did years before for others.

Even after her stroke in 1974, Mary remained upbeat and energetic. Her attitude inspired many people, especially those who had experienced stokes themselves. She found herself becoming an active member of the Kalamazoo Stroke Club. Around the holidays, Mary’s already cheerful attitude became even more intense. She spent endless hours in the kitchen baking shortbread and her famous Christmas cookies, which she gave away to shut-ins, charitable organizations and for family gatherings. Mary felt at ease in the kitchen and she loved sharing cookie-making time with her nieces and nephews. She kept a close eye on them though, making sure they did not lick their little frosting-covered fingers. She would not have her cookies contaminated with germs!

Besides cooking, Mary enjoyed sewing, embroidery, and tatting, as well as reading old humorous poems. She liked Broadway musicals too, especially those that were comedy. Mary had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. But most of all, Mary loved being surrounded by her siblings, nieces, and nephews – all the people who gave her life incredible meaning and joy.

Mary Mitchell died November 1, 2004 on All Souls Day. She was preceded in death by her sister, Alma Louise Lockwood; her brother Eugene Lockwood; and her very close friend Beverly Adams. Members of Mary’s family include two sisters: Gertrude Ann (Garnet) Lozon of St. Clair, Frances (Ronald G.) Hoard of Kalamazoo; sister-in-law Odette E. Lockwood of Kalamazoo; several nieces, nephews; a special friend Rita Rifenberg of Kalamazoo; and many other close friends.

Learn more about Mary, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home™ - Kalamazoo. A rosary will be recited Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10:30 a.m. St. Augustine Cathedral. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Food and fellowship will be shared following the burial at the church hall. On Friday at 10:00 a.m. there will be a Celebration Service at Friendship Village in the Kiva. To share a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution for masses at St. Augustine Cathedral (542 West Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007), please visit Mary’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Throughout her life, Mary was known for being “one-of-a-kind.” It was a distinction she welcomed with open arms. Her independent spirit will be greatly missed, but always remembered by all who knew her.