Mary Catherine Gave

Mary Catherine Gave of Lawton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the age of 90. Mary was the daughter of Fred and Maggie Gave, born on December 10, 1933. She is survived by her sister-in-law Sally Gave, nieces Sandy (Jack) Westendorp, Misty Gave, Patricia (Denis) Johnson, nephew Fred (Valerie) Gave, along with 7 great-nieces/nephews. Mary also leaves behind her dear friends and caregivers Don France and Tom and Dianna Collier. She was preceded in death by her longtime friend and farming partner, Grace Mohney, along with her parents, and siblings - Lucy DeLoof, Fred Gave, Edward Gave, Madeline Caro, Russell Gave. 

Mary’s lifelong profession was teaching art. She worked in Portage where she shared her creative skills in watercolors, acrylic paints, paper crafts, and more with her students until retirement. She then continued her artwork while focusing on her beloved farm and animals. She was an active member at the Paw Paw Conservation Club and would occasionally teach shooting classes for members. 

Family will lay Mary to rest at 11AM on Saturday, October 26, 2024, in White Pigeon, Michigan. Family and friends are invited to her celebration of life on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Porter Township Hall (88040 M-40 Highway, Lawton, Michigan). 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following, in Mary’s name: 

Paw Paw Conservation Club, PO Box 342, Paw Paw, MI 49079, or Centrica Care Navigators, Rose Arbor Place, 5473 Croyden Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009.

Organizations supporting dementia care or macular degeneration management.