Mary Martha Henry

1934 - 2023

Mary Martha Henry
Mecosta, Michigan
June 19, 1934 - August 12, 2023
Mecosta - Mary Martha (Dunham) Henry, 89, went to her heavenly home, surrounded by her loving family, on August 12, 2023.
Mary was born on June 19, 1934, in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Harman W. and Mary Rose (LeBeau) Dunham. Their family subsequently moved to Arlington, VA and later to Knoxville TN. They returned to Benton Harbor, MI where Mary attended high school. Mary then went on to Western Michigan University and became an elementary school teacher. At Western, she met and fell in love with a fellow student, Dave Henry - they were married on August 25, 1956. They lived in the Wayne County area where Mary taught in Plymouth, while Dave finished his degree at the University of Michigan. They began their family with John born in Detroit and Nancy born in Dearborn.
The family then moved to Big Rapids in 1959 when Dave became an instructor at Ferris Institute. The family expanded as Bill, Mike, Mary Anne, and Cathy were born. They raised their six children in Big Rapids where their kids attended St Mary's School and Big Rapids High School.
Mary was a devoted wife and loving mother. She was also an active volunteer at St Paul's student chapel, St Mary's Catholic Church, and St Vincent DePaul's. Mary was known for her strong faith and courageous spirit which carried her through her lingering illnesses late in life.
In their retired years, Dave and Mary would snowbird in Alabama and Florida. Most recently, Dave and Mary enjoyed living and spending family time at School Section Lake with the assistance of her exceptional caregiver Chasity Kangas and special friend Patti Kuikstra.
Mary is survived by her husband Dave; their children, John Henry of Byron Center, Bill (Tina) Henry of Grays Lake, Ill, Mike Henry of Thornton, CO, and Mary Anne (Tony) Jones of Rockford; several beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren; and her sister Beth Jones of Stevensville. Mary was proceeded in death by her parents, her brother David Dunham, and daughters Catherine Marie and Nancy Jean Henry.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 18, 2023, at St. Paul Campus Parish in Big Rapids, with Father Dan DePew celebrant. Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery. Mary's family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m., Friday at the church. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Mecosta County Commission on Aging. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com