Mary Alice Fletcher

Mary Alice (Brown) Fletcher, wife of Alfred, mother to David and Carrie, passed away on March 1, 2024, after a long battle with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which caused bone marrow failure. Her final days were spent peacefully surrounded by family and close friends.

Known for her compassion and love of God, animals, crafting, and friends, Mary will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Mary’s family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life not the sadness of her passing.

She is survived by Alfred Fletcher, husband of 52 years; David Fletcher, son, and his family; Carrie (Fletcher) Schmid and her family; her precious dogs, CiCi and Lily, and her sheep collection.

Mary was raised in Farmington Hills, Michigan, by her beloved parents, Robert Wendell Brown and Barbara Brown. She had an older sister (also Barbara who went by Bonnie), who passed away after battling sarcoma. Mary graduated from Farmington Hills High School in 1963. In her childhood, she loved animals and recalled the small farmland she grew up on filled with chickens, horses, dogs, cats, and 1 lamb (because “Mary had a little lamb”).

Upon graduation, Mary started at the University of Wisconsin, but decided to try occupational therapy assistance, instead. She earned her OTA certificate while living in Madison. She relished being one of the first Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA).

Mary met Al while living in Wisconsin. They married in 1971 and lived in Madison, Wisconsin, where they had their first child, David. Seeking a new adventure, Al and Mary moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1975. Al and Mary were welcomed to the community by Rob and Peggy Sargent, whose family are dear friends to this day. Mary embarked on a long career as a COTA and retired after well over 40 years of service. During this time Al and Mary also began attending Southwood Church of the Nazarene.

After retirement, Mary remained extremely active in her church. She embraced stewardship roles, spending time serving on the church board and in various leadership positions. She relished time with her church family, former co-workers, friends, neighbors, and family. Mary scrolled through pictures frequently to recall these amazing times. She took every opportunity to be with friends and family who loved Jesus, the Kansas City Chiefs, crafting, traveling, animals(mostly birds and dogs), and so much more.

There are many whom Mary would want to recognize. We apologize that we can’t recognize all of you, but she never forgot anyone she called friends. We are grateful to the entire Southwood family; the entire physical therapy and occupational therapy community (where she seemed to know everyone); her communities of crafters and card players; and her beloved friends, neighbors, and family.

Thank you to everyone who played a role in Mary Fletcher’s life. She was eternally grateful for you all!