Mary Meissner
Mary Louise Meissner (née Canada), 99, of Village Manor in Ludington, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 10, 2025.
Born on February 22, 1926, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Mary was the daughter of Edward and Helen Canada, and one of six children.
Mary grew up in St. Louis, Mo., and attended St. Louis University to pursue her dream career of nursing.
It was in St. Louis that she met the love of her life and future husband of 73 years, Richard Meissner, at an ASO dance.
They married on September 7, 1946, and moved to East Lansing where Richard attended Michigan State College (now Michigan State University). They eventually moved to Grand Rapids where they were active members of Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Mary was a devout Christian, and one of her true joys was singing in the church choir. Mary also showed her servanthood through working in nursing care, as well as many years for Hospice. She was loved and appreciated by the patients and their families for her compassion and tenderness.
In retirement, Mary and Richard moved to Ludington, Richard’s childhood home, and were active members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville. In Ludington, they helped plant the town’s beloved petunias along Ludington Avenue. Summers were filled with family pontoon rides on Hamlin Lake, often ending with pizza at The Chuck Wagon, a Lake Michigan sunset at Stearns Park beach, and ice cream at House of Flavors or Dairy Queen. Her grandchildren have fond memories of riding with her on Ludington’s double decker bus and the Badger car ferry.
Mary and Richard spent many winters in Tucson, Arizona, at Western Way RV Resort. They enjoyed the abundant sunshine, trips to the Grand Canyon on the historic Grand Canyon Railway, the Sonora Desert Museum, dances, and many other activities.
Mary was also known as the “cookie lady”, and she sent out thousands of cookies along with birthday, holiday and greeting cards over the years, rarely missing a family birthday. She enjoyed traveling to Ireland, and particularly enjoyed kissing the Blarney Stone, as well as touring the Waterford Crystal plant. Always a daredevil, Mary went skydiving on her 75th birthday, much to Richard’s chagrin! Renowned in her family as the champion arm wrestler, Mary defeated numerous grandchildren! She also had an infectious laugh, and could light up a room with her smile and generous hugs.
Mary is survived by five children, Marsha Humphrey (Robert) of Charleston, SC; John (Susan) Meissner of Mount Pleasant, SC; David (Mary Jane) Meissner of Brookfield, Wis.; Ed (Michelle) Meissner of Deer Lodge, Tenn. and Mary (Ed) Riojas of Byron Center, Mich.
She is also survived by 11 grand-children, 21 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please give a donation to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 765 W. US 10-31, Scottville, MI 49454.
She will be laid to rest on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., at Lakeview Cemetery in Ludington where there will be a short graveside/committal service. Mary’s memorial service will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville (Amber Township) on Thursday, May 15, with visitation starting at 10 a..m, followed by the Service at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon at the church.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
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