Mary M. Dale

Mary M. Dale, age 82, of Grand Haven, and formerly Trenton, Michigan passed away Monday, February 19, at a local care facility. Mary was born April 27, 1935 to David and Elda (Washburn) DeVerney in Newberry, Michigan. She was the great-great-granddaughter of Jean Baptists Parrissian (1812-1912), a founding father of Grand Haven, Michigan. 

Mary loved to read more than anything, but was also known as an accomplished cook. She enjoyed spending time with her family, many of whom are blessed with an item or two from her sewing talents, and loved spending time visiting with her friends, often playing cards and bowling.

Mary will be missed by her children, Karen (Michael) Kiester, Cynthia Sawyer, Richard (Linda) Dale, and Matthew Dale; 6 grandchildren and 2 great grand-children; sisters, Matilda (Maynard) DeGarmo and Daisy DeGarmo; brothers, Dan (Dottie) DeVerney, Pete (Patty) DeVerney, and Dennis DeVerney. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 3 sisters.

While raising her four children in Trenton, Mary’s home was bustling with friends, family, and neighbors coming and going. Each day she kept dinner on the stove “for whoever wants to eat – everyone knows where the dishes are and they can just serve themselves.” Many of her children’s friends would come over, eat, and visit, the ever-welcoming environment was important to Mary for her children.

She enjoyed being with people, especially her family, and shared a deep connection when visiting with others. Her humorous and quick wit could lighten any atmosphere and cause everyone to – at a minimum – smile at themselves or the given situation. After leaving the room, her lingering spirit left others with an amusement that extended to more smiles, laughter, and light banter – a trailed gift she left behind.

While living in Florida for many years, Mary had threaded her gifts of humor and devotion to others when she became a Certified Nurse’s Assistant. She enjoyed making lives for the elderly brighter each day giving her smiles, stories and comfort to help them live independently in their own homes.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

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