Mary E. Van Atter of Martin, MI passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born December 9, 1943 in Plainwell, the daughter of Herman and Frances (Beers) Bradshaw. Mary was an Otsego High School graduate and attended Athens College in Alabama. In her free time Mary enjoyed sewing, playing the piano and organ and knitting. She was a member of the Community of Christ Church in Wyoming.
On November 20, 1964 at the Otsego United Methodist Church she married Nicholas D. Van Atter who survives. Also surviving are her children, Nicholas H. (Vincent Penoro) Van Atter, Dion Van Atter and Lauri (Jim) DeYoung; grandchildren, Ally, Brady and Casey along with her cat, Mama Cat.
She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father, Frank Goodwin and brother, Melvin Bradshaw.
Friends may visit with Mary’s family from 6-8 PM, Friday, February 10, 2023, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, where a funeral service will take place at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 11, 2023, with her son, Nicholas H. Van Atter, Pastor Talitha Penninton and Elder Jean Ridenour officiating.
Burial will follow at South Martin Cemetery in Martin.
Contributions in memory of Mary may be made to the Community of Christ Church in Wyoming. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Mike & Bunny LaDuke
We are so sorry to hear about Mary Ellen’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to Nick and family.
Mike & Bunny LaDuke
Donna Halferty
Mary you will be missed more than words can say. Watch over your family and bring them Peace as they grieve. Lot’s of Love Always.
Tom & Diana Bobbett
Can’t begin to express our sadness on Mary’s passing. Nick and Mary became new and treasured friends of ours when they started attending Community of Christ. They BOTH have taught us so much and she will be greatly missed.
We are here Nick for whatever we can do for you. Love, Tom & Di
Dawn Marie Ogden
So very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing.
Karen Miller
While I did no know Mary personally, I do know her son Nick and his partner Vinny. I am neighbors of theirs in Babcock Ranch, Florida. Mary raised an awesome son and, along with his partner, they have contributed to our neighborhood by volunteering their time unselfishly. Helping others after the recent hurricane and contributing in so many other ways. She must have been a special person to raise such a selfless son. Condolences to the whole Van Atter family.
Dawn Ogden
So very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing.
Sue Browne
Mary and I started Kindergarten together and felt our friendship ever since then. Her death is my loss also. May God be with all the family as you travel this journey of loss!! My prayers are with you.
LouAnn Every
Nick and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful woman. May she RIP. Xo
Sarah Clemens
Mary was such a kind and sweet woman. Sending prayers for her family, that loving memories can help to bring them all comfort and peace.
Dick Pennington
What a marvelous, kind, thoughtful woman Mary was. It was always a joy to go visit Nick and Mary to just enjoy their fellowship. We will continue to visit Nick but Mary’s calm presence will be missed.
I know my wife shares my appreciation for this wonderful woman.
Marcia Roark Brougher
Mary was a beautiful person and friend. She had so many talents and gave some of the talents by playing the piano on Sundays at church. Her smile was infectious. She will be missed.
Don stanfill
Nick, Lauri and boys,
I’m so very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. Always remember her being a sweetheart. Won’t be able to tell you in person, how much I feel for you ,just had surgery and can’t get around yet, will keep you all in our hearts and prayers
Don &Jan Stanfill
Jane Rabben
My heartfelt, sincerest condolences to Mr. VanAtter, Nick and Vin, and Nick’s siblings and families.
May you all find tremendous strength in the remarkable lifetime of memories of Mrs. VanAtter, which you all share.
Jane Rabben
My heartfelt, sincerest condolences to Mr. VanAtter, Nick and Vin, and Nick’s siblings and families.
May you all find tremendous strength in the remarkable lifetime of memories of Mrs. VanAtter, which you all share.
Jane & Ben Rabben
Penny Baker
Our old babysitter! What a gift that heaven is receiving! So sorry to all of you, in the loss of someone so precious.
Lovingly,
Penny Pulver Baker
Cheryl Taylor
Nick,
I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing.
I am praying for God’s peace and comfort for you and your whole family in these weeks to come.
Larry & Rita Harmon
Dear Nick & family,
So very sorry about Mary’s passing. We had been friends since elementary school. We grew up together and I
have many great memories of fun things we did growing up. We didn’t see each other often, but kept in touch.
Love and hugs to you all. Rest In Peace dear friend. Larry & Rita (Porten) Harmon.
Buffy Welch
Nick, Dion and Lauri & families,
I’m so very sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. My deepest sympathy.
Amanda Ripsam
On behalf of the Ripsam family our deepest condolances. Mary was a very close friend after I got my green card I have been so busy working and school learning to drive all by her encouragment. ❤️ Love you all. she will be deeply missed
Brenda Lee Porter
Nick, I’m so sorry to hear about Mary Ellen’s passing. Please know you and your family are in my Thoughts and Prayers. Brenda (Kemp) Porter.
Jolene Minor
Dear Nick and family, Please accept our love and condolences in Mary’s passing. She was a ray of sunshine wherever she went. Such a sweet servant for Christ . She loved you all so very much. Sincerely. Jolene and Dan Minor
Carey Stephenson
While I never had the pleasure of meeting Mary, I do have the honor of working with her son Nick. He is a wonderful person with a huge heart and so much to give others. She must have been a truly amazing mother to have raised such a terrific son. Sending the entire VanAtter family all our love, thoughts, and prayers from FL. We are so sorry for your loss.
Lynn Provost
Mary was such a kind, loving person; always ready with a hug and a smile. It was a joy to have known her all of these years, and she will be greatly missed. Our condolences to the VanAtter family. With love, Lynn, Dan and family
Chris and Garry Mees
Nick, Nick Jr., Dion, and Lauri,
We will miss her smile and caring ways. She is now an angel in heaven.
May God comfort you and bless you during this time of loss.
Chris and Garry Mees
Carolyn Tew
My heart’s sadness at the loss of Mary is deepened by knowing how much you loved her, Nick and how difficult her loss is. Be blessed by the comfort of God surrounding you and your family and let them hold you close. Carolyn.
Diane Long
Nick, I’m so sorry to hear about Mary. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Barbara Merchant
Jennifer Mitchell
I was so saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. I wish I could be there in person to express my condolences, but I’ve become a snowbird. Mary was a sweet woman who I’m sure will be terribly missed. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Mitchell
Joe, Denise & EJ
We are so very sorry for your loss and we are thinking of you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you will share for years to come. Rest in peace.
Chuck Moore Jr
Hugs and Continued Prayers for the whole Van Atter family/
Jackie & Mike Schroeder
so sorry to hear about Mary prayers for you and your Family Jackie and Mike