//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpgObituary
Mary Alice Branch, age 97, of Kalamazoo passed away on June 20, 2025, at her home. She was born on October 29, 1927, in Kalamazoo, the eldest of six children, to the late Donald and Alma (Heistand) Underwood.
Although not a fan of school until the sixth grade, Mary thereafter became focused on pursuing her education. She graduated from Mattawan Public Schools in 1945. She met the love of her life, Marion Branch, in 1947-they were married on June 19, 1948. Mary worked for a short time at Kalexsyn, but after many years raising her six children, she returned to school in her 40s, graduating from KVCC with a degree in nursing. She went on to work for Upjohn Nursing and home health care.
At 19, Mary got a horse, Crazy Major. She rode in shows, fairs, and even created a home movie. She also bought a guitar and fell in love with cowboy songs. "Life was so much fun!" she writes. She continued singing with the Kalamazoo Choral Society for seven years.
Mary pursued her passion for gardening, a passion she followed until her death, as well as art, sewing, genealogy, and scrapbooking. People praised her sense of humor and garden. She was baptized on August 16, 1960. People valued her patient ability to guide their life choices through scripture, experience, and listening.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Branch in 2011; her parents; her son, Richard Branch; and her sister, Jean Youngblood.
She is survived by her children, Marilyn (Jim Cooper) Branch, Carol (Paul Eller) Branch, Yvonne Branch, Paul Branch, and Laura Branch; 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; siblings, Norma Otten, Rita Clark, Sharon Barney, and Don Underwood; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 1:00pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009. A time for fellowship and light refreshments will follow. Mary will be laid to rest with her late husband, Marion, in Genessee Prairie Cemetery.
Contributions in Mary's memory may be made to Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.