Mary Fopeano

FOPEANO, Mary
Kalamazoo Mary was born in Tecumseh, Michigan to Violet and Faron Anderson on August 25, 1910. She attended Lake Erie College and received a degree in English with courses in Library Science at Eastern Michigan University. After graduation, she taught elementary grades in Tecumseh. She married Edwin M. Williamson, MD, also from Tecumseh. During World War II she followed Ed to Texas and Florida, where he was a medical officer in the army and she found teaching positions. Back in Kalamazoo after the war, Mary was active in the Medical Auxiliary, worked at the Blood Bank and for more than 50 years, volunteered at the Lake Farm for children and was named an honorary member of its board. She also worked with children at the Kalamazoo Child Guidance Clinic. Many young people found a loving home with the Williamsons. She was interested in books, fine handwork and needlepoint and was active in the Antique Hobby Club. She had many scrapbooks with collections of antique postcards and valentines, and had dolls, games and toys from her childhood. Dr. Williamson died in 1972. She continued her volunteer work at the Nature Center, and other "green" causes. In 1976 she married John V. Fopeano, MD and acquired a new family of two children, eight grand children, eleven great-grandchildren and now two great-great-grandchildren. This is in addition to the many cousins, nieces and nephews on the Williamson side. Mary's house in the woods was always a wonderful place to visit with its acres of woodland, a perfect place to walk and enjoy paw paws and pines. Mary and her first husband, Ed, had developed their tree farm, planting and nourishing tiny seedlings which now tower on the hillsides. On August 25th, 2010 she was honored on her 100th birthday by many guests whose lives she had touched. She received a special plaque for her many accomplishments signed by state officials and the governor. Mary and John Fopeano were in the first group to move into the Wyndham Heritage Community more than 20 years ago. Her library skills were put to good use in developing the Wyndham library. In recent years she spent many hours volunteering at the St. Luke's Church Thrift Shop. First known to her many Tecumseh family and friends as Mary Eleanor, in later life she was GrandMary to the children and grandchildren of her extended family. Interment will be at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh, on Monday, March 12, at 11:00 AM. There will be a Reception of Remembrance at the Wyndham Heritage Community at 3: 30 on Tuesday, March 13. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St.