Mary Ellen Hathaway

Mary Ellen Hathaway, age 88, of Enterprise, Florida, and formerly of Hillsdale, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Encore at Avalon Assisted Living in Orlando, Florida. She was born on March 15, 1937, in Jonesville to Albert and Donelda (Miller) Roberts. Mary married Donald Hathaway on July 18, 1959, and he preceded her in death on January 3, 2023.
Mary graduated from Jonesville High School in 1954. She was formerly employed as a librarian for Hillsdale Community Schools, working at Davis Middle School. Mary was a talented seamstress who took great pride in her sewing and knitting. For many years, Mary and Don enjoyed traveling and summering in Hillsdale at Baw Beese Lake where they enjoyed watersports and boating. Her greatest joy was being a loving wife, mother, and the world's best Grandma to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include three children, Stephen Hathaway of Deltona, Florida, Sue (Andre) Zaika of Melbourne, Florida, and Sandy (Don) White of Orlando, Florida; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Nancy (Jack) Johnson of Allen; two brothers, Bert (Sylvia) Roberts of Hillsdale, and Donald (Elaine) Roberts of Washington; and one sister-in-law, Yvonne Roberts of Jonesville.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Don Hathaway; her parents; two sisters, Nona (Don) Guy, and Marcia (Jim) Arnold; and one brother, Owen Roberts.
Funeral services for Mary Hathaway will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 12:00 PM, at VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale with Pastor Don Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsdale. The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society.