Our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt passed away peacefully on July 6, 2015, in Hudson, Florida, where she had lived for the past twenty-six years. Her wit and sense of humor will be missed by all who loved and cared for her. Marie was born to John Baker and Margaret Virginia (Mc Beth) Baker in St. Johns, Michigan, on June 3, 1929. She graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School Class of 1947 and attended Grand Rapids Junior College before enrolling in the New York School of Interior Design on Manhattan, completing her program in 1949. She married Emery Rushford, May 6, 1951, in St. Johns, MI. He predeceased her September 1980. A lifetime of respect for nature and love of its beauty was instilled in her by her father. Living in Florida since 1989, she enjoyed her gardens throughout the year. She was an accomplished pianist, enjoyed all forms of art and classic authors. Marie attended the United Methodist Church in Vassar, Michigan where she was active in VBS, Ladies Guild, and the Monday Nighters, as well as the Migrant Mission. She lovingly took care of home and family and welcomed friends of her children into their home. She is survived by her son, Bennie Rushford; daughters, Yvonne (Rich) DesJardins and Caroline Dvorak; grandchildren, Joshua (Ann) Rushford, Jonathon Rushford, Emilie (Bernie) Moreland, Vincent DesJardins, Darcie DesJardins, Alicia Dvorak; great-granddaughter, Annabelle Marie Moreland, who was born June 13, 2015, much to her great-grandmother’s delight; sister, Ann Alchin; brother-in-law, Lyle (Bernetta) Rushford; her beloved nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren; a close friend, Hans Neddermeier. She was predeceased by her father and mother; brother and his wife, James (Marjorie) Baker; brother-in-law and his wife, William (Grace) Rushford; cousins, William T. (Mildred) Rushford; husband, Lew Gavit; and grandson, Ian Rushford. Marie will be buried next to her husband, Emery, at the Riverside Cemetery in Vassar. A memorial luncheon will be held in late August. For those planning an expression of sympathy please consider: Gulfside Hospice – 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes, FL 34639 https://www.ghppc.org, HPH Hospice – ATTN: Donations 12107 Majestic Blvd., Hudson, FL 34667 http://www.hph-hospice.org, Lake Michigan Catholic Schools – 915 Pleasant St., St. Joseph, MI http://www.lmclakers.com.
↧