Mary Jane "MJ" (Pellowe) Dick

Mary Jane “MJ” Dick age 89 died on Wednesday, January 29th, 2020 at Villa at the Bay Nursing Facility in Petoskey, Michigan.

Mary Jane was born in Jackson, Michigan on July 2, 1930 to Albert H. and Esther F. Pellowe. By the time Mary Jane was five, her family had moved to Petoskey where her father was minister at Petoskey United Methodist Church. The family then moved to Grand Rapids and later Adrian, Michigan. Mary Jane graduated from Adrian High School in 1948. She went on to college at Eastern Michigan University where she majored in English and later earned a Master’s degree in Education.

After college, Mary Jane moved downstate where she taught high school English and lived in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. She met and married the love of her life, Bob Dick, on January 16, 1964 in Ypsilanti. MJ and Bob moved to Pickerel Lake outside of Petoskey in 1966 where they lived in a log cabin originally built by Mary Jane’s parents. MJ taught English for many years at Petoskey Secondary School and is remembered fondly for her imaginative teaching style and ability to connect with her students.

Mary Jane was a kind, warm and curious person who loved literature, art, music, nature, cats, dogs, many, many friends and family. The home she shared with Bob was a haven from the crazy bustle of life, and she always warmly welcomed visitors of any age from near or far. She hosted many hot dog roasts by the lake and cozy dinners in the cabin. She loved to paddle her canoe on the lake and spend time relaxing with Bluegrass music played by her husband and friends. For years she shared lively conversation and laughter with her close friends in Coterie.  MJ was particularly fond of her two nieces and great-nieces whom she treated like her own daughters and granddaughters and with whom she created many happy and loving memories.  MJ was an active member of Petoskey United Methodist Church and volunteered many hours to support those in need.

Mary Jane is preceded in death by her husband, John Robert Dick Jr., her parents, Albert and Esther Pellowe, and her brother, Donald Pellowe and sister-in-law, Helen Hembd Pellowe. She is survived by two nieces, Nancy (Pellowe) Dennis of Dallas, TX and Diane Pellowe (Rich Kaye) of Middleton, WI and by great-nieces, Elena Dennis of Chicago, IL and Claire Dennis of Manchester, NH.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred at Manna Food Project 8791 McBride Court, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 (mannafoodproject.org).

A memorial service to remember Mary Jane and her husband Bob will be held at a later date.

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