Mary J. Bickers

Mary was born on June 5, 1935 in New London, CT to the late Vernon and Abigail (Cranker) Greene. She spent her childhood and most of her college years in New London.

Mary married Erland “Earl” Bickers on October 9, 1971, in Waukegan, IL.

Mary was highly educated with two Master’s Degrees, one in Elementary Education and the other in Special Education. She taught in elementary schools in Waukegan, Conroe, TX and the last nine years in special education at Calumet (CLK), until retiring in 2000 after 37 years of teaching. Her passion was teaching, she loved the children she taught and was highly respected by her peers.

Mary and her husband loved to play Smear. She was very talented at embroidery, which she sold and gave to many of her friends and family. Mary also loved each and every one of her dogs. Her greatest accomplishment she would say in life was her children.

Mary is survived by her husband, Erland “Earl”; sister, Joanne Greene; and her children, Cherrilyn Norfleet, Bill Epker and Ken Epker; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A service of remembrance will be held at the American Legion Post 3050, County Road 496 in Ishpeming at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary’s name to your local animal shelter.

Canale Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Mary’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com