Mary Brigid Wisely was born in the village of Murneen, Co Mayo Ireland on July 14 1940 to Jack and Ellen Smith the oldest of 6 children, she lost her father at the age of 6. Mary soon assumed the role of being responsible for the family, which developed in her an attitude of service and a talent for cultivating relationships. At the age of 14 her mother made the difficult decision to leave their beloved homeland, Ireland, to join her brothers on the distant shores of America. Mary was heartbroken leaving Ireland and her early years here were very difficult but strengthened by her faith and love of family she would persevere.
At the age of 20 Mary started to work at Square D an electrical manufacturing plant where she would meet her husband of 55 years Bill. Bill was a shy 18 year old when they met and after a few years of flirtation they finally had their first date on April 6, 1962. They were married less than 15 months later on June 29, 1963.
Mary and Bill soon welcomed 3 children to their family Mary, Anthony and Irene. Mary was a dedicated and involved mother. She was always present in the life of her children. She was the mom who would have everyone over to the house for hot chocolate or cookies. Everyone felt welcomed by her and she taught her children the art of creating relationships. She was the mom who volunteered for PTA or band parents. She was the mom who ran tailgates at West Point. She created a home where everyone felt comfortable and were welcomed by a radiant smile and a warm and generous heart.
Later in her life she would have the same role in the lives of her beloved grandchildren Jasmine, Justin, Anthony and Vincent whether it be traveling hundred or thousands of miles to attend a birthday, or attend a special event, graduation or any milestone. She never missed the first day of school or a sporting event. In Dexter she is known as the cream puff grandma baking for football dinners, wrestling, or the celebration of home runs.
Mary loved all her friends and family and often showed her love through entertaining. She created a home where everyone was welcome. She was the glue of the family who organized all of the holidays. Mary hosted many a family gathering and always went out of her way for everyone to make sure that they enjoyed themselves and had all that they needed.
Mary also suffered a lot of loss in her life time especially the death of her father at age 6. Soon followed by the loss of a very favorite aunt Sarah Ann. She lost twin brothers Ernie and Tom in infancy. Mary suffered many other losses including that of her sisters Annie and Irene and her mother Ellen. Through it all she maintained her faith in the Lord and persevered.
Mary was a person of tremendous unwavering faith. She lived this faith through continual prayer, regular attendance at Mass, and her attitude of service. Her radiant spirit shown through everything she did. Her warm and welcoming heart was a place where everyone who grew to know her felt comfortable. The tremendous outpouring of love through this loss only emphasizes the truly special person that she was. Everyone she met, even briefly, was truly touched, and felt incredible love for this warm, welcoming and generous spirit that was Mary.
Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church (Country Church located at 6805 Mast Rd, Dexter MI 48130) on October 22 from 4 P.M. until the time of the scripture service at 7 P.M. Mrs. Wisely will lie instate at St. Joseph Catholic Church (Country Church located 6805 Mast Rd, Dexter MI 48130) on October 23 from 10 A.M. until the time of Mass at 11 A.M. Committal Service will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery (at the corner of Baker and Don Hoey Roads at 2528 Baker Rd, Dexter MI 48130) immediately following Mass. Memorial contributions can be made to Arbor Hospice and the Rogel Cancer Center Melanoma Program.
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