Mary T. Munson

Mary Thorp Munson, 94, of Manchester, Michigan passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 15th, 2022 with her family by her side. Mary was born January 14th, 1928 in Sentinel, Oklahoma to Margaret (Mikels) Thorp and George Dewey Thorp. Mary graduated from Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasaw, Oklahoma. She was selected as a Danforth Fellow and sent to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. She led a deputation team to the West Groton Congregational Church where she met her future husband Fred who initially appeared to her as a “confirmed bachelor”. Fred knew immediately that she was the girl he would like to marry. Having a job offer in Calcutta, India sealed the deal for Mary. They were married in Calcutta in 1953, living there for a year and giving birth to their daughter Meg. This time in India began her life-long love affair with that country, which later took on a deeper dimension when she and Fred began their relationship with the family who founded the Aravind Eye Care system. For nearly forty years, Mary and Fred traveled regularly to Aravind—Fred for consulting with the family on the Aravind organization, and Mary for a multitude of projects, often involving decorating hospital care areas and the homes of those who worked there. The Aravind family truly became a second family. Mary loved sharing their home with others, be it with travelers from abroad, her bible study group or International Neighbors, for play-reading or political action activities. Above all, she delighted in bringing people together and creating community. An organization she recently volunteered with is Ele’s Place, a healing center for grieving children. Mary will be remembered for her joyful and infectious laughter. She loved practical jokes like her dribble glass and a small box of much used rubber chocolates, but also enjoyed laughing at herself. She is survived by her beloved husband, Fred; her children Marguerite “Meg” Munson Lueker, Cal Munson, Jon Munson and his wife Beth, and Nathan Munson; her grandchildren Dan Munson and his wife Lisa, Matthew Munson, and Michael Munson. At the end of her journey, Mary waited patiently for all her children to arrive and say goodbye; she held hands with her husband Fred, as they did so often, and squeezed it one last time before she departed. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at the Bethel United Church of Christ in Manchester, MI. A Memorial Service will then be held at 11:00 A.M. A luncheon will follow the service and will also be held at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to Ele’s Place, and envelopes will be available at the church. To sign Mary’s guestbook, to leave a memory or for directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

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Mary T. Munson

January 14, 1928 - October 15, 2022