Mary Helen Pennington

Mary Helen Pennington, age 66 of Hastings, Michigan, passed away on February 9, 2021. She was born on October 26, 1954 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Leon and Crystene (Lentz) Jasperse.

Mary was a 1972 graduate of Ottawa Hills High School. On April 8, 1989, she married Michael Pennington, and they enjoyed 28 years together until his death in 2017. Mary worked as a paraprofessional at Star School and Southeastern Elementary for 17 years.

Mary enjoyed gambling with her friends, couples bowling on Saturdays once a month, boating on Pine Lake in the Summers, the Grandparents Program at Southeastern Elementary, Crossword Puzzles, Sudoku, and spending time with friends and family.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Michael Pennington, Parents, Leon and Crystene Jasperse, mother-in-law Susan Pennington, father-in-law Lloyd Pennington, brother David Jasperse, brother-in-law Steve Pennington, sister-in-law Judy Pennington, and niece Jessica Merrill.

Mary is survived by her daughters Melissa Pennington of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Christina (Rob) Yattaw of Salisbury, North Carolina, grandchildren Brianna Richer, Matthew Yattaw, and Christopher Richer, brother Steve (Kelly) Jasperse of Grand Rapids, Michigan, brother Mike (Diane) Jasperse of Dothan, Alabama, sister Susie (Jim) Majors of Raleigh, North Carolina, brother-in-law Joe Pennington, sister-in-law Teresa (Jay) Beckwith, sister-in-law Sandy (Dave) Nichols, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Kindred Hospice Care, 1911 W Centre Ave, Ste 1; Portage, MI 49024 or the American Cancer Society, www.donate3.cancer.org, P.O. Box 22478; Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 16th from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. Per current MDHHS Orders, 25 people will be allowed in at a time. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.