Mary Alice Rude

Our family lost a great woman on April 6^th, 2023. April 6^th was also her Baptism date. 

Mama Bear, Gram, Gran, Aunt, Sister and friend fought a great fight for many months. As in death, she overcame so much in life whether overcoming a man’s world of work (30 years IRS), getting her education at the age of 40 after a divorce and allowing us to have her in her many roles. Girl Scouts was a passion of hers as she participated in Troop #8, Jackson, MI as well as Troop Leader in Texas for Troop #1317.

She loved her family and gardening.  She is now gardening with her sister Kathy Smith (Mike) and first daughter (Pamela Sue) in Heaven.  On earth she believed in Guardian Angels.  She didn’t know it, but she was always our Guardian Angel. She now gets to continue her role as Angel to us and so many others in need. 

Heaven’s gardens will be tended by her now.  She was always seen and will be remembered for her mowing, lugging bags of mulch and grass/leaf clippings up until the summer of 2022.  Her squirrels will miss her. 

She started her journey when born on Friday the 13^th, January 1939 in Charlotte, MI, to Anna Marie (Colizzi) and Arlo Elmer Hammond.  Mom grew up in Jackson, MI and left after high school (Class of ’57) to begin her adult journey. 

A life is not defined when you are born and when you die. Her life is defined by the strength, love, and encouragement she gave all of us.  From the meanest mom on the block to a silly Aunt or Gram.  Mom, we are all so proud of you and making us all better for being touched by you.

Those who get to carry mom’s memories are her children, Neal (Karen), Sheri (Lee), and Rick (Martha); her so loved grandchildren, Kim (Nathan), Kristin and Jessica and Evan. Her Brothers John (Sue), Jim (Nancy), and David (Mary).  Great Grandchildren (so loved them and so proud of them she is), Camden, Noelle, and Cate.  Nephews and Nieces include: Kathy’s children, Craig and Keith; John’s children, Sandy, Steven and Jeffrey; Jim’s children, Jonathan and Elizabeth; David, who was so special to our family over the years with his loving kids Jeremy, Justin and Shawn. 

 She is one of the strongest and kindest women. Every challenge was faced with courage, dignity, and love.

No flowers or gifts please.  Interests were Heard Museum, Master Gardner, Parkinson’s, and any organization that promotes the equity for women in the workplace.