Mary Bishop Robison

Mary was born July 1, 1940 to David and Myra Lu Bishop. A lifelong resident of the Lansing area, she graduated from Sexton High School (’58), University of Michigan (’62), and Michigan State University (’66). After teaching for several years in the Lansing School District, she “retired” to raise 4 kids at the farmhouse she shared with her husband in DeWitt. Volunteering for worthy causes was very important to her and for years gave her time to Cristo Rey Soup Kitchen, Sparrow Hospital, Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, and the American Red Cross. She also enjoyed working for local elections, MSU student registrations (they weren’t always done online), and as an ESL tutor for international students at MSU, many of whom she and her husband were able to visit years later in Korea and Japan. Mostly, she enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their home and sharing the abundance of their garden, a glass of wine or cup of coffee, and lots of great conversation.

Mary married her husband, Norm, in 1962 and spent over 52 years together. She always considered her greatest accomplishments to be parenting her 4 kids, grandparenting her 8 grandkids, learning to ring handbells as an adult, and spending over 30 years singing with Greater Lansing Arts Chorale.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, husband Norm, and brothers Rand and Bill. Surviving her are her 4 children Rand (Heather), Jonathan (Leslie), Ethan (Karen), Rachel (Brett), grandchildren Nico, Nolan, Jack, Macy, Lane, Blake, Logan, Zoeva, nephew Andrew (Rita) and all those that loved her and will miss her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 18 at 4:00 pm at Mayflower Congregational Church 2901 West Mt. Hope, Lansing. Attendees are encouraged to dress in bright colors and a reception will follow the service. Funeral arrangements are by Gorsline-Runciman in Lansing.