Mary Ann Vandemark

Mary Ann Vandemark of Caro, age 83, passed away at her home on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, following a brief illness. Mary Ann was born September 30, 1936 in Logan, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Joseph Orban, Jr. and Elizabeth (Tuba) Orban. She moved with her family to Gagetown as a young girl to help on her grandparents' farm. She graduated from Caro High School with the class of 1954 and was united in marriage to Emery JR Vandemark later that year on September 14, 1954 in Caro. JR preceded her in death on November 3, 2016. Mary Ann worked for several years at the Tuscola County Advertiser before finding her true calling of helping the community with the Human Development Commission in Caro in a career that would span over thirty-eight years. Mary Ann retired in 2010, having served as director for thirty-one years and overseeing an immense time of growth in the organization. She remained a steadfast advocate for the organization both locally and nationally and focused much of her energy in community economic development, housing, and energy-related activities. In addition to her duties with the Human Development Commission, Mary Ann held countless leadership positions, including service to the National Association of Community Action Agencies as President and Secretary, State and Regional Community Action Agency Associations as President, Michigan Economic Development Coalition as President, Mid America Community Action Association as Treasurer, and was a board member of Great Lakes Rural Network, National Community Action Foundation, Rural Partners of Michigan, and chairwoman of the Michigan Community Action Agency Association Legislative Committee. Locally, she was recognized as Caro's Citizen of the Year and the Caro Knights of Columbus Family of the Year. Despite all of her accolades, Mary Ann's true passion was her family, and she passed her love of church and community to each of them. She was a devoted member of St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church in Caro and was active with its Christian Services Committee. Mary Ann had a deep love for traveling and also enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, and gardening. Left to cherish her memory are two children, Dale Vandemark of Cass City, Debi Justice and her husband, Michael, of Deford; four grandchildren and their spouses, Chad & Maggie Justice of Deford, Kaila & Will Wood of Caro, Missy & Chris Rhodes of Columbiaville, Kinnan Justice and his fianc, Cassie Simpson, of Cass City; eight great-grandchildren, Miller, Parker, Cooper, Griffin, Harper, Sawyer, Dawson, and Connor; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Gloria Orban of Caro, Virgil & Betty Vandemark of Caro, Betty Esckelson of Vassar, Freda McMullen of Mayville, Connie Vandemark of Deford; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Emery JR Vandemark; one son, David Vandemark; and one brother, Joseph Orban III. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2020 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church in Caro. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the church will be requiring the use of face masks for those in attendance. Burial will be at Almer Township Cemetery at a later date. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to St. Christopher Parish or the Tuscola County Homeless Coalition. Visitation Information Date: Sunday, June 28, 2020 Time: 2:00 pm End Time: 6:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Monday, June 29, 2020 Time: 11:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church site Address: 140 Atwood St. Caro, MI 48723 Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2020 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church in Caro. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the church will be requiring the use of face masks for those in attendance.