Mary Wright Vogt

Mary Wright Vogt, age 87, of Klinger Lake, Sturgis, Michigan passed away Thursday evening July 30, 2015 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. She was born December 19, 1927 in Sturgis, Michigan daughter of the late Eugene C. and Beryl (Dickinson) Wright, Jr. Mary was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1945. She continued her education, graduating from the University of Michigan in 1949 and Syracuse University in 1951. On August 12, 1952 she married Gerald Vogt in Sturgis. He preceded her in death on February 20, 2014. Mary brought her love and appreciation of music to many young people in Sturgis through her teaching of piano for 25 years and accompanying young musicians at local music festivals. She was a long-time, active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis where she was involved in Christian Education, Youth Services, and served as the church organist for many years. She also served on the Auditorium Board, the Sturgis Co-op Board, and the Klinger Lake Association Board. Mary was an avid bridge player, and encouraged everyone to take up the game. She will be remembered most for her kindness, humor and generous spirit. Mary is survived by her three daughters: Ann Christine Vogt of New York, New York, Amy Vogt Clausing of Ridgewood, New Jersey, and Mary Elizabeth Vogt of Chicago, Illinois; two grandchildren: Beth Clausing and John Clausing; two nieces and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Elizabeth Rathbun, and her brother, Eugene C. Wright III. In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Mary Wright Vogt will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday August 5th at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Michael Wicks will officiate. Private placement of the ashes will be in the First Presbyterian Columbarium. The Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is entrusted with the arrangements. The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of Mary consider the Sturgis Area Community Foundation where donations will be directed to support the performing arts at the Sturges-Young Auditorium, or a specially-designated fund at the First Presbyterian Church of Sturgis for the support and maintenance of the church organ. The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.