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1916 - 2010
 Age: 93
WELLS, Mary R.
Kalamazoo
Formerly of Sarasota, FL
Mary passed away Sunday morning May 23, 2010 at Crystal Woods assisted living in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born August 30, 1916 in Galesburg, IL the daughter of the late Curtis and Loyette (Pankey) Redden. She enrolled in the school of kinesiology at the University of Michigan and graduated with a Masters degree in Education. After graduation Mary went to work at a womens college in Marietta, Georgia. She then worked at St. Louis University and then New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois. In 1948, Mary and her husband Cliff settled in Park Ridge, Illinois where they raised their family. After her youngest was in school Mary worked full time as a gym teacher in the Park Ridge Schools and the Chicago Public Schools retiring in 1975. After retirement Mary and her husband Clifford moved to Sarasota, FL, bought a house on Siesta Key and a Morgan OutIslander 41 yacht (named the Enterprise) and started a business-taking people sailing three times a day in Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. They also chartered the boat on trips to the Bahamas, Mexico and Central America. After 15 years they sold the boat and continued traveling throughout the world, with the greatest adventure of tiger hunting on elephants in Nepal. They traveled to China and were some of the first foreign tourists ever allowed into the Forbidden City. Mary and Cliff became a team and were president and vice president of the Friends of the Library in Park Ridge during the years that they build a beautiful new library. They were president and vice-president of the University of Michigan Club of Sarasota and were active in the Sarasota Institute of Lifelong Learning. Mary was a wonderful mother and role model who was a room mother, den leader and active in the PTA. She loved to garden, joined the garden club, and became its president and served as president of the League of Women Voters in Park Ridge. On June 22, 1944 in Portland, Maine, Mary was united in marriage to Clifford P. Wells Jr. Cliff died in April 1998 after 53 years of marriage. Surviving are 3 children, Susan Danielson of Paw Paw, Michigan, Curt Wells of Millersville, Maryland and Ken (Pam) Wells of Hanover Park, Illinois; 4 grandchildren, Megan Danielson, Kevin, Amanda and Brian Wells. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or services. Memorial contributions may be made to charity of choice. Arrangements are by the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw, MI. |
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There are currently 2 condolences.
Capt. Nancy & Capt. Tom Bennett
delilahbear@verizon.net
Monday May 31, 2010 at
9:35 PM
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To the family of Mary and Cliff Wells:
We Have very fond memories of Cliff and Mary. Years ago, Cliff was one of the first persons Tom met in Sarasota. Quickly they made a friendship which lasted through the common bond of sailing. Tom helped as Mate or Captain on "Enterprise" until 1989 when the business was offered for sale.
Tom then bought the charter sail-boat business "Enterprise" and continued to run it profitably and kept in touch with Cliff and Mary.
Our last memory is when Mary asked us to have a sail on "Enterprise" for putting Cliff's ashes where he would want to be forever. Later we heard that Mary had moved back to Michigan and we lost touch until seeing the notice of Mary's death in the newspaper.
Our wishes are for the family and friends of Mary and Cliff to remember how they have influenced their lives./ Nancy & Tom Bennett
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Dawn and Bill Saunders
Monday May 31, 2010 at
10:57 AM
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We were so sad to read about Mary passing away in the Sarasota Herald Tribune today.
We lived in the last house on the cul de sac across the streeet on Sandy Shores from Mary and Cliff, owning the house for about 25 years before we sold it in 2005. We now live in a condo across from Marina Jacks.
We have many fond memories of Mary (and Cliff) and hearing about their adventures on the Enterprise . They were always so interesting to talk to.
We went to your Dads service at the Siesta Key Chapel when he passed away and recall meeting their children there and at their home when visiting.
Although your mom lived a long life at 93, it is always hard to say good-bye to your mom (or dad). Our thoughts are with all of you. We will always remember them as the owners of the "green house on Sandy Shore" and as good neighbors! Our hearts are with you all. Dawn and Bill Saunders
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