Marie K. Pearson

Marie K. Pearson, age 101, of Escanaba, passed away early Friday morning, December 27, 2019 at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba. She was born on May 19, 1918 in Escanaba, the daughter of Albert and Emma (Vanlerberghe) Kositzky. Marie was raised in Escanaba and was a 1936 graduate of Escanaba High School. The former Marie K. Kositzky married Albin “Bud” Pearson, Jr. on August 26, 1939 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba and he preceded her in death on November 20, 2007. Together, the couple shared 68 years of marriage and raised 4 children. Marie was a dedicated homemaker, caring for her husband and their children. She was strong in her faith as an active long-time member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba, and liked to golf as a member of the Escanaba Country Club. Marie and Bud greatly enjoyed playing card games – especially Bridge. One of her famous quotes while playing Bridge when it was her turn to bid, she would often say, “I need to play my hand astutely.” Marie and Bud did everything with each other and enjoyed taking car rides to Green Bay together. She loved driving and was still driving well into her 90’s. One of her proudest accomplishments was being able to live independently at home until she was 100 years old. Marie enjoyed traveling and in her later years even spent a couple of winters in California with her granddaughter, Kristin and her family. She loved her family dearly and greatly enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – especially at their family cottage on Round Lake. Her beautiful life of 101 years will be cherished by the lives of her dear family and friends.

Marie K. Pearson is survived by 4 children, Donald (Pat) Pearson of Wetmore, MI, Lois Gushard of Carson City, NV, William (Linda) Pearson of Saginaw, MI, and Dennis (Marilyn) Pearson of Escanaba; 10 grandchildren, Ted Gushard II, Scott Gushard, Greg Gushard, Jessica Lantz, Kristin Pearson Fuhrhop, Gina Laur, Sara Cederna, Trina Soyk, James Pearson, and Christopher Pearson; 18 great-grandchildren, Savannah and Lauren Pearson, Allie, Violet, and Danielle Pearson Fuhrhop, Gavin and Emery Laur, Gianna and Nikolai Cederna, Crosby Soyk, Will and Cal Lantz, and Samantha, Brandon, Brianna, Zach, Neveah, and Parker Gushard; 2 great-great-grandsons, Liam and Dominick Gushard; sister-in-law, Nancy Pearson; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Marie was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Ted Gushard; and 5 siblings.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Thursday, January 2, 2020 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Marie will follow at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba with Rev. Terry Frankenstein officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations please be made to the Bethany Lutheran Church Steeple Fund. 

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