Mary Deutscher
July 6, 1931 — October 6, 2015
Mary Jo Deutscher, age 84 years of Niles, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at West Woods of Niles after a brief battle with cancer. She was born July 6, 1931 in Niles to the late Wilbur L. and Anna O. (Olach) Hartman.
In 1949 she married Ward Deutscher Sr., who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her only brother, Jim Hartman and a son, Brian Deutscher. She is survived by her children, Ward (& Judy) Deutscher of Niles, Cheryl (& Dan) Dahlberg of Punta Gorda, Florida and Theresa Deutscher of Eau Claire, Michigan; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Mary Jo grew up in Niles but spent many summers in Charlevoix, Michigan with her aunt and uncle. She bragged about being a caddie at the local country club in her teen years while also enjoying the beaches of Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. After marrying and having children, she continued to vacation in that area because of its beauty. She worked as a waitress for about 30 years in many local restaurants, Pete’s Patio being her favorite. After 50, she and a close friend went to nursing school at Southwestern Michigan College where she became a licensed CNA. She worked briefly in a hospital but soon turned to home health care. She had many clients locally who all loved her, including her last client who even left her his house when he died. By that time she retired and lived in that home until she suffered a seizure and ended up with severe dementia. She spent the last twelve years in nursing homes, Lakeland Specialty in Berrien Center, Michigan and then West Woods in Niles. All the staff at both places loved her dearly for her wit and humor. Mary Jo loved playing cards of any kind and she hated to lose (which she rarely did). She was an avid reader and lived for the crossword puzzle daily. She also enjoyed camping on weekends while her children were growing up.
The Catholic Liturgy for Mary Jo Deutscher will be read at Noon on Friday, October 9, 2015 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, with the Rev. David Otto of Niles officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, until the time of services. Donation in memory of Mary Jo may be made to the organization of choice.