Mary Irwin Brown

 Mary Irwin Brown of Hastings, died at Trillium Woods/Faith Hospice in Byron Center, Michigan, on January 18, 2019, age 83. She was born on September 28, 1935 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of William and Norma Irwin. Mary attended and graduated from Union High School, earned a Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and, later in life, a Master's degree from Western Michigan University. 

 In the summer of 1959, Mary traveled to Santiago, Chile, as one of the first Community Ambassadors for the Grand Rapids Council on World Affairs. This experience instilled a love and respect for different cultures that would play an important role throughout her life. On December 20, 1958, she married Dr. Jack A. Brown. As her husband's practice grew, they moved to Rockford, Michigan, and then to Middleville, Michigan. In 1968, they settled in Hastings, Michigan, and together raised a busy family of five children. 

 Mary was a teacher and a counselor in the Hastings Area School System for many years. She was a member of P.E.O, Mortar Board of MSU, and the First United Methodist Church in Hastings. During retirement, Mary was a Hospice Grief Counselor and volunteer in Barry County. 

 She founded and was President of the local chapter of American Field Service in Hastings, Michigan, facilitating the international exchange experience for dozens of students over the years. Between 1973 – 1986, she hosted 8 different exchange students with her family. Many former students kept in touch and visited often after their year in Hastings with the Brown family. She was – and will always be – "Mom" to each of them. 

 Mary enjoyed bird watching, gardening, walking one of her beloved dogs, swimming, attending a beautiful symphony and hosting large family gatherings. There was always one more seat at the table for one of her children's friends, a visiting international student, or a soul in need of sustenance. Open and tolerant, Mary embraced diversity and was a fierce advocate for those less fortunate. With her empathetic touch and sense of grace, she truly left the world a better place. She will be dearly missed. 

 Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Carolyn Moffat, and brother, William Irwin. She is survived by daughter Susan (Ata) Brown-Shafii of Geneva, Switzerland, daughter Sarah (Kelly) Williams of Mariposa, California, son Michael (Samia) Brown of Ada, Michigan, son Thomas Brown of Dekalb, Illinois, son Rex (Lisa) Brown of Hastings, Michigan, 10 wonderful grandchildren and a special niece, Lynn Moffat Winston, of Haymarket, VA. 

 The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway Street, Hastings, Michigan on Friday, February 8, 2019. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at Green Street United Methodist Church, 209 West Green Street, Hastings, MI 49058 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one-hour prior. 

 There will be a luncheon following the service at: 
 The Barry County Foundation 
 Dennison Performing Arts Center 
 231 S. Broadway St. 
 Hastings, Michigan 49058 

 Memorial contributions may be made to: 
 Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation (HEEF) 
 232 W. Grand Street 
 Hastings, MI 49058 
 269-948-4400 
  https://www.hassk12.org//site/Default.aspx?PageID=115  
  https://www.hassk12.org/Page/117  

   or 
 

 Barry County United Way 
 231 S. Broadway 
 Hastings, MI 49058 
 Phone: (269) 945-4010 
  https://www.bcunitedway.org/donate/