Mary Ann Birmele

Mary Ann Birmele, 95, of Hartford passed away to her heavenly home, on Friday, March 25, 2022, at her home.

Mary Ann was born on Aug. 27, 1926, in Calhoun County, to Paul and Augusta (Goodrich) Bodine. She was the second in a family of five children.

Mary attended Otsego Public Schools and graduated from there in 1944. She then attended Allegan County Normal for nine months and was placed in a Country School in Plainwell, having all eight grades. In 1946, her husband, Marvin, came home from the service and they were married. Mary continued her education at Western Michigan University, where she earned her master’s degree in 1965. She taught school in the Coloma Community Schools for 36 years.

Mary was a faithful member of the Hartford United Methodist Church for over 70 years.

Mary and Marvin had two boys: Raymond and Gerald (Cindy), both living in Hartford. She was preceded in death by both parents; husband, Marvin; two sisters: Irene and Pauline; one brother, Raymond; a daughter-in-law, DiAnn; and a sister-in-law, Barb.

Mary leaves her two sons; five grandchildren: Andrea, Candace, Janell, Jerrod and Jenna; nine great-grandchildren; Logan, Andrew, Austin, Alexis, Zachary, Reis, Colton, Isabelle and Luca; three great-great-grandchildren: Aiden, Braylon and Aaliyah; a brother, Dick; and a sister-in-law, Mary.

The family will welcome friends from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, at the Hartford United Methodist Church, where the service to honor her memory will commence at 5 p.m., with Pastor Doug Tipken and the Rev. Ronald Hansen officiating. Following the services, cremation will take place, and her ashes will be laid to rest in Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church or Hartford Lions Club. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with arrangements. Those wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.