Mary C. Tidwell, age 94 of Grand Rapids formerly of Houghton, passed away Monday, May 04, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband Sam in 2002. She is survived by her children MaryAnn (Hal) Dekker, Sam (Nancy) Tidwell; brother Frank Cogdell; grandchildren Brian (Katie) Gilbert, Chad (Jen) Gilbert, Scott (Betsy) Gilbert, Tara (Brendan) Tidwell Cullen, Sarah (Jon) Burton; great grandchildren Aiden, Emily, Elise, Caris, Renae, Ramona; also nieces and nephews. Mary received her Masters of Arts in Journalism from Columbia University. She then became a reporter for the Washington D.C. Star where she interviewed President Harry Truman. Mary was the Director of Public Relations of Mississippi Southern State College in the 1940’s (now known as University of Southern Mississippi). She retired as professor of English at Michigan Technological University Department of Humanities where she helped in creating the Technical Writing Program. Mary loved the outdoors, hiking, picking berries, especially the shores of Lake Superior, also travels with her husband Sam. Memorial Service will be held Saturday 3:30 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. Chaplain Sue Petro of Gentiva Hospice officiating. Visitation Saturday 2:00-3:30 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Technological University Fund, 1400 Townsend Dr., Houghton, MI 49931. Special thanks to Gentiva Home Care and Hospice, Sunrise of Cascade and Homewatch Caregivers.
