Mary Curtiss Richards

Mary Curtiss Richards, born August 24, 1945 to Vera and Bliss Andrew Curtiss of Saline, Michigan, died suddenly and peacefully in her sleep on October 8, 2016. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, and is survived by her husband, Dr. Jon Michael (Mike) Richards, her brother Carl Curtiss, her sons Jon (Amanda) Richards, Brent (Melissa) Richards, and Jason (Wendolyn) Richards, and daughter Kristen Richards. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Braden and Julianna (Jon and Amanda), Duncan and Malcolm (Jason and Wendolyn), and Heath (Brent and Melissa).

Mary was a native of Saline, Michigan, but lived the majority of her life in neighboring Ann Arbor, residing for 40 years at the house she and her husband built in 1976. She graduated from Saline High School in 1963, and attended Ferris State University. While working at the University of Michigan Dental School, she met her husband Mike, who was then a student. The couple married May 25, 1968, and celebrated with friends and family on the grounds of her grandparents' home in Saline. She moved to Ann Arbor in 1972, where she served on the board of Citizens/ Society/ Key Bank for more than 20 years.

Mary was strongly dedicated to various charitable causes near to her heart. She was a volunteer and supporter of Arbor Hospice, where she chaired the Annual Arbor Hospice Charity Auction for several years. She was also a volunteer for Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor.

Mary was an indomitable presence, fully devoted to her children and grandchildren with all of her being. Her generosity of both time and spirit was legendary. Love, family, and charity were paramount.

Visitation will be at Muehlig Funeral Chapel in Ann Arbor on October 12, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. A memorial service will be held in her honor at Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mary's name to Arbor Hospice, or the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center Victors Program.