Gun Lake Tribe elder Mary Edna Pigeon-Vanderwood Baa died Monday, Sept. 8. She was 78 years old.
She was born Nov. 16, 1946, to the late Edmund and Jennie (Stevens) Pigeon in Allegan. She graduated Hopkins High School Class of 1964,
Mary’s first husband, Robert Comer Sr.,shared their four children and spent many years together. Mary spent the largest part of her life with her late husband John Vanderwood.
A huge part of her community, she enjoyed volunteering, playing, watching softball and being the cheer leader. She loved creating and teaching cultural crafts, attending Pow Wows, gatherings, and being a vendor, making black ash baskets, dream catchers and shawls.
Mary, a very fast walker, enjoyed her times at the casino, win or lose, she always had a great time and was loved by all at the Gun Lake Casino Resort. She retired after many years from Denny’s Restaurant. She loved traveling Michigan and other states, attending many tribal gatherings, church camps, and elder trips. When she was home, she loved time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren going to movies, fires, making banana bread and cherishing every moment.
Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility and Truth was Mary showing the next generations how to live a life with purpose.
Mary is survived by her children Mari Comer, Robert Comer Jr., Michael Pigeon and Sam Comer; siblings Helen Hillman, Woodrow Arthur (Patricia) Pigeon, Norman (Leslie) Pigeon, and John (Loraine) Pigeon; sisters in-law Debra Pigeon, Katheryn Pigeon and Faith Pigeon; 17 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband John Vanderwood; parents Edmund and Jennie (Stevens) Pigeon; siblings Edmund Pigeon, Andrew Pigeon, Steven Pigeon, Cindy Pigeon and Sandra Rose Pigeon.
Mary’s funeral will start at 3 p.m., officiated by Todd Williamson on Saturday, Sept. 13, with a two-hour visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. at Jijak Camp 2558 20th St., Hopkins. Graveside service will follow the funeral with procession, to Bradley Cemetery. Dinner will follow after the graveside service at Jijak Camp.
