Mary Patricia Jean

Mary Patricia Jean, 92, of Venice, Florida, and Higgins Lake and Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 8. Mary waited 10 years to join her late husband, Tom Jean, who was the absolute love of her life. She is survived by her three daughters: Katherine Kersgard (Michael), Amy Barron (James), and Molly Jean (Tom Gallagher). Special nephew Don Schmidt preceded her in death.

She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Kevin and Mallory Taylor; Mitchell Schmidt;

Courtney, Ashley, and Shane Barron; and Elle Gallagher; and seven great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Beth and Darryl Steinert.

Mary was the youngest of five children born in Bay City, Michigan, to Albert and Katherine Schmidt (Lourim). She met her future husband, Tom, as an infant and began dating him in high school. The two married in Paris and spent their early years living in Chinon, France, and enjoying adventures throughout Europe as newlyweds.

The duo returned to Michigan so Tom could finish his bachelor’s and master’s degrees before settling in Flint. After welcoming three daughters into their lives, they added nephew Don to the family. They lived in Flint, Saginaw, Traverse City, and finally Roscommon. Later Mary and Tom retired to Venice, Florida.

Mary was a gentle spirit who devoted her life to Tom and her children and was loved by all who crossed paths with her. Among her children’s fondest memories are Mary’s frequent service as a school room mother, her dedication in taking them to dance lessons, her work in their dad’s office, and the great experiences they had going camping as a family throughout Michigan, the United States, and Canada. Mary also volunteered at Oscar Scherer State Park in Florida, and she and Tom continued kayaking, biking, and camping into their eighties.

Those summers spent camping and immersing herself in nature held the lasting lessons she gave to her family. She told every person who ever had one of her children as a passenger in their car to be careful because they were carrying precious cargo. She loved to play cards, visit with friends, and wander through nature. During her years in Florida, she combed the newspaper for interesting things to do and see. She rarely sat down and kept a very full calendar.

Mary’s final years were spent at Hillside Terrace in Ann Arbor, where she was a much-loved member of the community. It was impossible to meet Mary and not like her, and if you were one of hers you knew you were loved in return.

As we say goodbye, we are reminded of the gift that she was to each and every person who met her. Take a moment in nature and think of her.

A Celebration of Mary’s life will take place 12:00 pm, July 19, 2026 at Gerrish Township Hall, 2997 E. Higgins Lake Dr. Roscommon, MI.