Mary Jean Berson

Mary Berson had an infectious smile and a wonderful laugh, which she often shared with family and friends. Gifted with a great sense of humor, Mary could always bring a smile to the faces of those around her. A devoted wife and mother as well as a committed educator, Mary touched the lives and hearts of many throughout the years. Her kind heart, lively intelligence, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her. In Canada, as in the United States, the 1920s were a time of economic prosperity and changing social values, including new rights for women, the popularization of radio, and increasing consumerism. Mary was born in the beginning of this tumultuous decade, on April 13, 1922, to proud parents George and Katherine (Weir) Platt. The only daughter and the youngest in the family, Mary grew up with two older brothers: Robert and Douglas. The Platt family lived in Sombra, Ontario, Canada, where George was a foundry foreman and Katherine was a homemaker. Mary and her family eventually immigrated to the United States and settled down in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. By this time, America had been plunged into the Great Depression, and leisure activities were scarce for the Platt kids; like most families, they were focused on survival. Mary attended Muskegon Heights schools, and graduated from high school in 1937. One evening in 1940, Mary met a young man named Marvin Berson at a local dance in Muskegon Heights. Mary and Marvin hit it off right away, and soon realized they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. They were married on January 2, 1942, just two days before Marvin left for military duty, not to return until the end of World War II. During those long years of waiting for Marvin to return, Mary did her civic duty by working at Muskegons Continental Motors. Marys husband returned safely home in March of 1945, and the young couple started their married life together. Three years later, in 1948, they were blessed with a son, whom they named Marvin. In addition to being a new mom, Mary was also a new college student at Western Michigan University, and completed her bachelors degree in education in 1952. Later, she would go on to earn her masters degree from the same university in 1964. In 1952, Mary and her family took up residence in Spring Lake, Michigan. Mary earned her teaching certificate, and was hired as a teacher and reading specialist at Muskegon Heights and Mona Shores Public Schools. She was a dedicated and enthusiastic educator, and inspired students for the next thirty years until her retirement in 1982. In her free time, Mary enjoyed reading, attending sorority functions, and traveling. She also loved to gamble in fact, one of her last trips was to the Little River Casino. Mary loved to laugh, and her merry laughter rang out most frequently when she was with longtime friends Helen Wessel, Retha Olney, Barb Porter, and Demera Platt. She had a soft spot in her heart for stray cats and wildlife, and always put out food for her animal friends. Intelligent, witty, and generous, Mary Jean was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a dedicated educator, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members. Mrs. Mary Jean Berson died at the age of 90 on January 16, 2013, of heart related problems. Marys family includes her son, Marv; her grandsons, Tom, Pete and Eddy; and her great-granddaughter, Claire. She is also survived by her two dear friends, Demera Platt and Barb Porter, who provided her with love and support. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 23, at the Clock Chapel in Fruitport, with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross in her name. Please visit Marys personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.