Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....George-Patterson, Mary Jean (Valentine) August 1, 2016 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Pat Currigan currigan1932@comcast.net June 26, 2020, 7:04 am Lakewood News-Sat. Sept. 24, 2016 MARY JEAN VALENTINE GEORGE PATTERSON Tarpon Springs, FL - Mary Jean Valentine George Patterson passed away suddenly on August 1, 2016 in Tarpon Springs, FL. where she had lived for many years. Born in Lake Odessa, on August 16, 1922 to parents Archibald and Mable Seckstone Valentine, Mary was the fifth in a family of six children. Her four brothers James, Balfour, Bernard, Buford and younger sister, Margaret all preceded her in death. Her father, Archie passed away when Mary was four years old and her mother, Mable was killed in an automobile accident north of Lake Odessa in the late 1940s. Mary was also preceded in death by both her sons, David George and Robert George, and her granddaughter, Jodie George. Mary proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WW II, and was stationed in Washington D.C. She was an active member of the Suncoast Waves in Florida, and enjoyed many lifelong friendships within that organization. Mary was employed by the Michigan department of State, attaining the position of secretary to the Secretary of State, James Hare, before her retirement. She loved playing cards, visiting casinos, eating out, participating in various clubs; and being independent. Mary will be missed by many friends and relatives including her grandson, Charles Cassle of Lansing; nine nieces and nephews, Janet (Bill) Pittman of LaQuinta, CA, James (Cheryl) Valentine of Saranac, Jean (Thom) Gray of Rockford, Amy (Jim) O'Brien of Eagle, Matt Buche of Portland, and Beth Ainsworth, Steve (Peggy) Buche and John (Janet) Buche all of Lake Odessa; and Neva Waite of Sevierville, TN. Survivors include 17 great-nieces and nephews and several great-great-nieces and nephews. Also mourning Mary's passing are Lisa Gladding, Jodie George's life partner of 26 years, and Mary's special friend of many years, Russell Carroll of Tarpon Springs, who blessed Mary's life with many years of happiness. Cremation has take place. Funeral services will be held at Koops Funeral Chapel in lake Odessa at 3 p.m. on October 9, 2016. Burial ceremony will take place immediately following the service at Lakeside Cemetery after which, family and friends are invited to gather at the Catholic Church Hall for snacks, beverages and sharing of "Mary Stories." In lieu of flowers donations to Lake Odessa VFW Jackson-Mutschler Post 4461. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/g/georgepa37328nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 3.0 Kb