Mary Paterson

Mary Alice Paterson, 83, of Traverse City, died on August 18, 2024. Mary was born on August 15, 1941, in Lexington, Michigan, to Grant and Dorothy (Shipman) Coburn. The family moved to Port Huron when Mary was 12. At 17, Mary graduated from Port Huron High School and then went to work for the local newspaper, The Times Herald, where she was a runner for the advertising department. At 18, Mary visited the US Coast Guard Cutter stationed in Port Huron, The Acacia, where she met a handsome young guardsman named Brian. Four months later, they were married and she spent the rest of her life with him at her side.

Mary is survived by her husband of 64 years, Brian Paterson, their three daughters; Corinna (Ken) Schug, Jill Paterson, and Cheryl Paterson, two grandchildren; Bird (Max) Peterson and Alan (Erin) Schug, and two great-grandchildren; Rowan and Fianna; a sister, Bonnie Turner; and a brother, Kirk Fleming.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John, and her beloved sister, Janet.

Mary had a special place in her heart for children with special needs. She worked for TCAPS for many years, helping with many children who were very dear to her. Mary was a talented seamstress and loved making clothes for both people and American Girl dolls. The flowers in her yard were always beautiful because of her care and attention. Mary loved to give gifts to others and help others. She baked delicious cookies and loved sharing them with her co-workers at school and at the WRC Thrift Shop, where she spent many hours and was dubbed “Queen Mary” the queen of organizing linens.

Mary’s church family was very important to her, and she loved serving with them, and had a great ability to love and show God’s love.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Women’s Resource Center would be appreciated.

Memorial Services will be held 2 pm, Sunday, August 25, 2024 at the Traverse City Church of Christ. Private burial will be held at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens, Traverse City.

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