Mary gave me a bookmark called The Miracle Called Friendship . . ."that dwells within the heart and you do don't know how it happens or when it gets its start but the happiness it brings you always gives a special lift and you realize that friendship is God's most gracious gift. " Shortly after we became friends, Mary volunteered to drive with me to my friend's memorial service in Wisconsin in snowy December. Mary knew well how to pray, her singing voice was beautiful beyond words, she was pretty, very intelligent, and her laughter was contagious. Celebrating her life is easy. I will always remember her and be thankful we were friends. Heartfelt condolences to her beloved son and daughters, brother, nephew, and dear friend Dawn.

I met Mary 25 years ago, when I was working at the Albion District Library. Mary had just moved to Albion, and as anyone who knew Mary knows, she loved to read. Mary visited the library regularly and we often talked about books. Mary was someone very kind and special and we began to form a friendship outside of the library. 
Mary often volunteered to watch my son when he was little, so that I could run errands or attend appointments. She loved spending time with him, and he loved her too. As he grew older, they would color pictures together and she would tell me how artist he was. Mary could see something in his talent, at such a young age, that I could not. She always knew that he would put his artist ability to good use and when he became a graphic designer, she reminded me that she wasn’t surprised. 
Mary was a true believer in God and even named her cat, Angel because she said God sent Angel to her. She attended the First Presbyterian church for several years and often invited us along.
Over the years, we got together to celebrate each other’s birthdays and Christmas. Mary didn’t have a lot of material things and she would be so overjoyed with even the little things, such as some good chocolate or tea. Even though she didn’t get out much the last few years, she surrounded herself with things that made her happy and that brought her joy. Throughout all of life’s hardships, she remained a true and loyal friend to me. Even though Mary was a very kind person, she was not above sticking up for herself and those she loved. She often told me how proud she was one me, she encouraged me through hard times, and gave me advice when I needed it. She was someone I knew was always in my corner. I will miss my dear friend and Prayer Warrior, but I know I will see her again in Heaven. 

Mary was a wonderful patron of the Albion Public Library.  She also volunteered to help with interlibrary loans.  She was outspoken about how much the library meant to her, and she became a good friend who shared book recommendations with me.  My sincere sympathy to her family.

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Mary Rose Stonehouse

February 18, 1946 – July 16, 2021

J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home

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