Mary C. Hinds
MARQUETTE, MI- Mary C. Hinds, age 90, of Marquette, died peacefully, Wednesday, July 29, 2020, in the loving care and comfort of her daughter Maryann and son-in-law Bill.
Mary was born on August 10, 1929, the only child of Frank and Anna Postula, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in Chicago and worked for the Illinois Bell Telephone Company. She married Joseph F. Hinds on June 14, 1949 at St. Mary’s Church in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. They were blessed with 5 children and 45 years of marriage. Mary was a devoted mother and homemaker who took every opportunity to highlight how proud she was of her children and their personal and educational accomplishments. Joseph preceded her in death in 1994.
Always willing to lend a helping hand, she was an active member of St. Mary’s Church, St. Mary’s Altar Society, and St. Mary’s School PTA. She was also a member of the Sault Ste. Marie VFW Ladies Auxillary Post #3676, Sault Area Garden Club, Sault Ste. Marie Semi-Sweet Red Hat Club, as well as St. Peter Cathedral and the Marquette Red Hat Rosettes.
She was an avid reader and book collector who especially enjoyed learning about city architecture and history. She looked forward to reading her daily paper and completing the crossword puzzle. She had nume
Throughout her lifetime, Mary was a very active person who enjoyed many interests. Mary and Joe loved to entertain friends and family. All were welcomed at their home! Mary loved to cook and bake, even during her 90th year. She was a seasoned gardener who enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables. She was a talented seamstress who also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, plastic canvasing, and ceramics. Her creativity and talent was ever present in her many projects. Her numerous gifts to others are now precious treasures.
Joe and Mary made Sault Ste. Marie their primary home. Prior to and following retirement, they traveled extensively throughout the United States, visiting 46 of the states. They had homes in Florida and Texas. Together, they enjoyed many happy years “on the road” meeting new people, seeing the sites, and sharing their many adventures with family and friends. While living in Florida, Mary received four Certificates of Appreciation from the United States Department of Agriculture for the completion of more than 1,000 annual hours of volunteer service (years 1984-1987) on the Ocala National Forest’s Seminole Ranger District. Her husband Joseph also received four Certificates of Appreciation.
When Mary moved to Marquette in 2004, she actively helped the community by volunteering countless hours of her time. Mary was a very caring person who made a positive difference in the lives of the veterans at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans. She lovingly crocheted and donated over 200 lap blankets in memory of her husband Joseph, who served from 1942-1945 in the U.S. Army during World War II as a 1st Engineer Amphibian Brigade of the 531st Engineer Shore Regiment. Although Mary never wanted to be highlighted for her time and selflessness, her gifts were deeply appreciated by the men and women who courageously served our country.
Additionally, she crocheted and donated dozens of beautiful baby afghans to local charities and churches including the Care Clinic. Again, she did not want to be highlighted for her countless hours and genuine caring of others. She liked to brighten the holiday season for others less fortunate by making holiday placemats and bookmarks. For many years, Mary visited the Brookton Early Childhood Center to share stories, read books, and simply be an “extra grandmother” to the children. At Christmastime, she dressed up as Mrs. Claus and gave away presents and treats to each child. She also received a Certificate of Appreciation for her generosity and service to the Senior Nutrition Program at Lost Creek.
Prayer was an everyday part of her life. Canvas crosses were made and frequently given to family, friends, and first communicants to remind them of the power of prayer. One of her favorite sayings was, “Be kinder than necessary.”
Mary’s family meant the most to her. She enjoyed the holidays and celebrations, especially Christmas. Mary loved Christmas! Her beautiful personalized and intricate family Christmas stockings will be treasured for years to come.
Mary enjoyed and was known for wearing her many stylish and colorful hats that were adorned with beautiful brooches and pins. This was a definite nod to her Chicago dress style and Chicago roots.
Mary looked forward to her Saturday coffee/tea dates with her daughter Maryann. While enjoying a cup of “real coffee”, Mary delighted in chatting with family, friends and acquaintances. She enjoyed being “out and about” and the people that she encountered truly brightened her day. Thank you!
Mom/Grandma/Great Grandma loved hearing from her family and she looked forward to their calls, letters, cards, and notes that she received from them. She carefully displayed the personalized artwork and handwritten notes that were so lovingly made for her by her great grandchildren, Michaela, Lorelai, Arabella, and Timothy. She was especially happy to receive their artwork!
Mary was a very spiritual woman who lived her life with courage, determination and inner strength. She was an inspiration and blessing to her family.
Mary is survived by her daughter Maryann (Bill) Ferns of Marquette, daughter Kathleen Hinds of Sault Ste Marie and son Timothy (Lisa) Hinds of Haslett. Grandchildren: Briann (Matt) Olson, Andrew (Brooke) Ferns, John Paul (Diane) Broad, Robert (Lori) Broad, Elizabeth (Kevin) Rainbolt, David Hinds, and her favorite granddoggy Franzen. Great grandchildren: Michaela, Lorelai, Arabella and Timothy Olson and Aubrey Broad.
Mary was preceded in death by her dear husband Joseph, sons Patrick Merle and Michael Joseph, and her parents.
A special thank you to Kelly Rose (honorary granddaughter) who seemed to always be there when Grandma needed her most. Thank you for your love and kindness. You were a blessing to Grandma! The family would also like to extend a thank you to the following: Marquette Township Fire and Rescue EMS, especially Rob Cochran, Mike Gregorich, and Dan Shanahan, Marquette Senior Center, especially Gail Herman and Maureen McFadden, UPHS medical personnel, and Marquette Family Medicine. Our heartfelt thanks for your care and compassion.
Mary strongly supported and believed that public education is key to one’s future success. Kindly consider a donation in Mary’s memory to the following: Cherry Creek Elementary School, 1111 Ortman Road, Marquette, MI 49855, Attn: Maryann Ferns, Guidance Counselor and Marquette Township Fire and Rescue, 2801 Venture Drive, Marquette, MI 49855.
Honoring Mary’s wishes, no public visitation or funeral will take place. Rather, the family will celebrate Mary’s amazing 90 year life journey. Nostrovia! Cheers to a well-lived life! We know you are dancing with Dad in heaven! In closing, Mary believed that one should “Look for the angels in your life. They are everywhere.”
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the Hinds family where memories of Mary may be shared at canalefuneral.com.