EAST LANSING, Mich. – Mary Catherine (Hendrick) Schlesinger, 85, proud long-time resident of East Lansing, Mich., passed away in the loving arms of her daughter Sandra on Nov. 12, 2024, at Bickford Memory Care of Midland, Mich.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held in or around May 2025.

Mary was born May 15, 1939, in Mendota, the eldest daughter of Charles F. Hendrick and Nina A. (Wicks) Hendrick.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by her children, daughter Sandra (Curt Putzig), with grandchildren Scot, Bret, and Katie; son Randell, with grandchildren Heather, James, Tom, and AJ; and son Scot, with grandchildren Tyller and Owen, along with former husband Elwood (Ruth) Schlesinger and her many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is joined in rest by her parents and sister.

She had one sister, Margaret (Allen) Dowd of Kalamazoo, Mich., who predeceased her.

Mary graduated from Mendota High school in 1957 and the University of Iowa in 1961 with degrees in Political Science and Education. Mary served as Class President and also worked in the Religion Department while at Iowa. In November 1959, she was honored to have met and hosted Martin Luther King, Jr. during a visit to campus where he delivered a speech on the future of race relations in our country. Following graduation, Mary embarked on a teaching career in math and English at the middle school level in Peoria, before starting a family.

For Mary, every day was the perfect day, every visit the perfect visit, and every gift the perfect gift - and her legacy is one of unwavering warmth and kindness. Whether enjoying gardening or walks, MSU Spartan games, or spending time up north at her cottage near Charlevoix, Mary was a delightful conversation looking to happen. Family time was a priority and Mary loved being with her kids and grandkids, baking, making desserts and canning fruits, or watching sports together while laughing over the family humor of the day.  Outside the home she tirelessly volunteered her free time supporting church events, cancer prevention and other non-profit fundraisers, athletics and education.  Mary was especially proud to have helped form youth recreational soccer in East Lansing and surrounding areas, while also coaching.

Teaching math was her core passion and vocation. Whether with her kids, grandkids, students during the day or the many she tutored after school, she put her all into each one over her lifetime. Her caring style brought a comfortable space for learning and inspired confidence. After raising a family, she was most happy and fulfilled in her teaching career for over 20 years in the East Lansing community, at the middle and high school levels.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Izzo Legacy Fund (izzolegacy.org) or Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland, Mich. (tlcmidland.org).

Mary's loss is deeply felt by her family and the community who knew and loved her as she touched so many in countless and meaningful ways.  Her memory will continue to live on as a blessing, inspiring kindness, enthusiasm, resilience, and generosity in those whose lives she touched.

Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Schlesinger family. To share a special memory please visit www.smithminer.com.