Mary Joan Calhoon, 96, of Bronson, passed away Friday, April 28, 2023 at her home.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson with Pastor Terry Siler officiating. Interment will follow at North Gilead Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson.
Mary Joan was born Mary Elizabeth Stockdale, on March 10, 1927 in Ypsilanti, MI to Carl & Ada Marie (Davis) Stockdale. Carl and Ada were tragically killed in an auto accident, leaving behind five children. Mary was adopted by Lynn & Ruth (Buck) Ward at the age of eight, and was re-named Mary Joan.
Mary Joan was a proficient percussionist, coming from a very musical family. She graduated from Bronson High School in 1946. She was proud to have been invited to play in the high school band at an exceptionally young age and was later named National Drum Queen.
Mary Joan graduated from Kalamazoo College with a major in music and a minor in art. She taught music and art at Burr Oak Schools until she was married, and occasionally substitute taught.
Mary Joan married George M. Calhoon on October 10, 1954 in Bronson, MI. He preceded her in death on March 16, 2006.
Mary Joan dedicated over 50 years to 4H, serving as leader teaching cooking and sewing. She served as past president of the Bronson Women’s League and taught private music lessons. Mary Joan enjoyed crocheting, adult coloring books and cooking; she was known by many for her apple pies.
As a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker, she greatly adored her family, especially her grandchildren.
Mary Joan is survived by her children Jolynn Calhoon (John) Holsinger of Sturgis, Jill Lane (Jerry) Bucklin of Bronson, Janet Lee (Dana) Rifenburgh of Bronson; 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 1 great, great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her grandchildren Joseph Rubley and Breana Miller Dules; her siblings Edith Nichols, Ethel Cummings, Lawrence Stockdale, Doris Lilly, Billy Ward, Ruth Ann Wendel and her sister-in-law Eliza Lane (Calhoon) Hopkins.
Memorials may be directed to the Bronson Fire Department or the Bronson First Congregational Church.
Comments