Mary Jane VyVyan

She was born on Nov. 14, 1938, in Florence, daughter of the late Earl and Ethel (Roberts) Sundberg. Mary grew up in Commonwealth and graduated from Florence High School, Class of 1956.

Following high school, she married her high school sweetheart, Allen Waite, in California, where he was stationed on the ship in the Navy. Together, they raised three children, Tracy, Scott, and Jeff.

Mary was very busy working at the various businesses she and Allen owned. In 1963, they bought The Chatter Box from Allen’s parents. Together, they ran the tavern and bowling alley for 15 years. Later, Mary married John VyVyan. In 1977, she started working with many judges and lawyers in Iron Mountain. She later became the Friend of the Court and was the first woman to hold that position. Her office collected millions of dollars for the families involved. Mary retired in 1998 after 22 years of service.

Following her retirement, Mary enjoyed life in Stephenson, where she and John enjoyed boat rides and fishing on the Menominee River. John passed away in 2009, and Mary moved back to Florence to be closer to her children.

Mary was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Florence and enjoyed her cats, boat rides, fishing, knitting, gardening, computer games, and spending time with family and friends.

Mary is survived by her children, Tracy (Jeff) Voegtline, Scott (Chip) Waite, and Jeff Waite; grandchildren, Micheal and Dustin Voegtline and Jackie Rae Nichols and Joshua Waite; great-grandchildren, Gannon and Jocelyn Voegtline and Brandi Rae Nichols; stepchildren, John, Renee, Sherry, Wayne, and Ben VyVyan; many nieces and nephews; and a special sister-cousin, Alice Jean.

In addition to her parents and husband, John, Mary was preceded in death by her sister, Darlene Crago; and a special cousin, Donna.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the many caregivers, especially Beth and Vicki, who were instrumental in her living at home as long as she did. Mary ended her life living at Florence Health Services, where she was well-loved by all and known as “Mary with the million-dollar smile.” A special thank you to all the nurses, CNAs, therapists, and anyone else we may have missed. Mary waved and smiled at everyone. A very special thank you to Amy, Kaitlynn, Sara, and a special friend, Chris; we could not have done it without you.

A celebration of life for Mary will be held in the spring. Hope to see everyone then.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Mary’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Florence, to honor Mary’s legacy of life.