Mary Helen McWethy

Mary MCWETHY MCWETHY, Mary Age 96 Mary passed away March 11, 2010 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born December 31, 1913 in Visalia, California. Mary often talked of her glorious youth growing up in Santa Ana, California. Mary's graduation (1935) from Pomona College in Claremont, California was followed by jobs as a physical education teacher and then Director of Girls' Work at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. In 1937 she was united in marriage to John McWethy and eventually moved to Aurora, Illinois, where Mary and John began raising their three children. Mary was active in volunteer activities there, including church work, working with handicapped children, and serving as president of the PTA. The family then moved to Western Springs, Illinois, where Mary continued volunteer work at her church, serving as president of the Women's Society. When John became quadriplegic after a car accident, Mary was instrumental in his successful rehabilitation and in paving the way for him to return to his job at the Wall Street Journal. The courage and determination of the two of them made it possible for them to return to a happy and full life despite huge obstacles. Mary and John were an inspiration to all who knew them. After retirement, Mary and John moved to Sun City, Arizona, where Mary volunteered tutoring children and working at the Food Bank. Mary's main interest was the people she loved: her family and her many friends. She took great pleasure in helping people and in sharing fun times with them. She was always ready for a new adventure and loved a good laugh. Mary was an excellent tennis and bridge player. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, and sewing. Mary will be greatly missed by a son and daughter-in-law, Andy and Nordal McWethy of NYC; a daughter-in-law, Laurie McWethy of Boulder, CO; and a daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Marlan Smith of Portage; as well as six grandchildren (and spouses) and six great-grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John, and by a second son, Jack McWethy. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Foundation For Peripheral Neuropathy (www.foundationforpn.org).