Mary Karlson

Mary was born Maria Maciupa in Renton, Pennsylvania, a coalmining town. She came from a loving and hard working family. Her father, Michael and mother, Maria, had seven children. There was John, Ann, Julia, Michael, Mary, Helen, and Margaret. They have all predeceased Mary.

When she was a teenager, she left for a stay with her aunt and uncle in New Jersey and that break from home was the beginning of a life of moving from different states, marrying and raising a family of 4 children in Kansas City and Michigan, and later, travelling around the world at least twice.

Her travels with her husband, Marvin, took her to the Far East, Europe, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.

Mary was a dedicated gardener and had a passion for growing fruits and vegetables. She loved her kitchen and was famous for her lemon meringue pies, stuffed cabbage, hermit cookies, and a multitude of Christmas cookies.

Later in life she gained new friends and was a serious card player, enjoying hours weekly playing hand and foot.

Mary was tiny, only 5 feet tall, but was a stick of dynamite, very strong and sure of herself. And in spite of her husband being part of a TWA flight crew and away most of the month, she brought up her four children to be successful and grounded.

Mary gained the respect and admiration of many, living to 106, still recognizing everyone, making conversation, and giving her strong opinion when needed!

She leaves her family to carry on her strong and independent character. Son, Bob, (Susie), grandson David (Bridgett) great-grandchildren, Lily, Liam, Olivia, and Penelope, daughter Judy, (Fernando) grandchildren, Vanessa, and Nando,(Katie) great-grandchildren Tyler (V), Daxton, and Lacey (N), Son, Bruce, (Jennifer), son Norman (deceased) granddaughter Kelli, (James) ( her mother Joanne ), and great-grandchildren, Addison, Emersyn, and Danielle.

Mary tranquilly joins her husband Marvin and son Norman.

Rest in peace, Mom.