Mary Louise Tedrake was born on May 10, 1944. She resided in Metro-Detroit for most of her life, where she raised her children and worked as a seamstress creating and altering bridal gowns. She went on to achieve a lifelong goal of obtaining her bachelor's degree through Oakland University at the age of sixty-one and develop a career as an auditor for Volkswagen. Upon retirement, she relocated to Mason, Michigan, where she soon became a valued member of the Mason Area Historical Society, as well as bridge, exercise, and book discussion groups. Mary also found a new focus for her creative talents in bobbin lace, and her work has been featured at the Capital Area District Library.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Louis Oscar and Isabel Agatha (Campbell) Vandevelde. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 40+ years, Michael, as well as her two children, Russ and Julia, and her six grandchildren: Hayden, Maya, Ollie, Capri, Coron, and Sully.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 6, 2017, at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home Ball Dunn Chapel, 621 S. Jefferson St., Mason, MI, with visitation at the chapel beginning one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mason Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 44, Mason, MI 48854, or to the IHM Sisters, 610 West Elm Ave., Monroe, MI 48162.
On-line condolences may be made at www.grbdmason.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.
6 Entries
April 19, 2017
D Alexander
My deepest condolence to the family. May you draw strength and comfort from the God of comfort during this difficult time.
2cor 1:2-4
April 6, 2017
Dear Michael, Russ, Julie and family,
Bruce, our girls, and I want you to know how much Mary meant to us. We will always carry our memories of her in our hearts. Her kindness, intelligence, and creative spirit touched everyone she met. Bruce's fondest memory of Mary is watching her spread out her wedding veil netting on our living room floor and turning it into a lovely veil in a matter of minutes! I will always respect and admire Mary's indomitable drive to get her college degree at 61 and her ability to tackle higher level statistics and math courses while holding down a full time job. Her grace, intelligence and underlying fortitude are a rare combination which she "sprinkled" on all of you and which I hope will help you now. Know that we extend our deepest sympathy to you all at this difficult time.
Barb and Bruce Dinning (Glen Arbor, Michigan)
April 6, 2017
Dear family of Mary: Mary was an integral part of our book discussion group at the Ingham County Library in Mason. She had lots of thoughtful comments about the books that we read as did Michael. She was always so interesting and really a lovely, lovely lady. She will be missed. Sue Rabidoux
April 5, 2017
Dear Julia and Jon, Your mother was such a nice lady. It was an honor to have known her. Love and prayers to our very special niece and her family. Love, Jack and Deb
April 4, 2017
Yvonne Verschueren
Dear Mike, Julie, Russ and Family, Mary was a very special person with many talents. We're so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our special thoughts for the upcoming days. Yvonne Verschueren & Ed Brouhard
April 4, 2017
Valerie Briston
Dear Michael, Julie, Russ and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Mary. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.
Val and Marko
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