Mary Graybiel Obituary

Mary Rebecca Graybiel, Born: 1/17/1915 - Passed: 6/8/2022. Preceded in death by her husband James (Ed) of almost 60 years and infant daughter Nancy Jean. Survived by children Barbara (John) James(Jan) Thomas (Renee) Patti (John) grandchildren John, Jenafer, Jeffrey great grandchildren Graysen, Carter, Anjali, David, Lucia nieces Joyce, Kay, MaryJo, Ann and nephew John. Mary was born in Bad Axe, Michigan in 1915 and married "her Ed" there in 1938. The family lived in several cities before settling in the Pontiac/Clarkston area. There she lived a great deal of her life until the age of 94 when she left Michigan to live near her eldest daughter Barbara, son-in-law John and their children and grandchildren in Arizona. One of Mary's philosophies to a rich life was to surround yourself with friends, laughter and love. Everyone that Mary met was invited into her home and into her heart. She had a way of bringing people together, making sure no one was ever alone. She belonged to several groups in her community that brought women together such as Tuesday musicale, womens federation, Oakland town hall, Book Club, Pontiac-Oakland symphony, and so many more. She loved keeping busy. She was a stay at home mom who had the house that all the neighbor kids wanted to play at. She loved the outdoors, the sun, the water and of course traveling. She had been to over 20 countries. She loved music, dancing, water and cross country skiing, tennis, swimming, ice skating, you name it. And always knitting, playing bridge, hosting parties and just keeping busy. Just days before her passing she traveled across the country to see her son, Tom and daughter-in-law Renee in Michigan as well as a host of old friends. Then on to Florida to spend time with her daughter Patti and son-in-law John and run her toes in the sand and take a dip in the ocean. Next was time spent with her eldest son Jim and daughter-in-law Jan sailing the Gulf of Mexico on their 33 foot boat. She was a devote Christian and remained a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Pontiac. Just days before she was scheduled to move to Florida and start a new chapter she was taken ill. When asked her thoughts on living a good long life, Mary would respond with the following: Always keep moving. Surround yourself with friends and family that bring you love and happiness. Be kind to one another and always go to bed with a grateful heart. This beautiful woman was always dressed to the nines. She was gracious and kind. Her humor was endless. She was forgiving beyond measure. She was strong and spirited. We will miss her so much. If you knew her, you would never forget her. We are comforted to know that she is with "Her Ed", she is safe, loved, and resting in the arms of Jesus.