Mary Glenn Kirkland

Mary Glenn Kirkland, a 14-year resident of Jackson, MI passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at Arbor Manor in Spring Arbor, MI. She was 99 years old. She lived by herself with her dog Bridget until New Year’s Day. Prior to living in Michigan, Mary Glenn was a resident of Oak Park, IL for 61 years. She was the daughter of Earl J. Bailey and Alice (Atkinson) Bailey. She was born October 24, 1920 in Lowell, IN.  She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Ann (Kirkland) Buckland (William) and Jill Fiona (Kirkland) Gibson (Bruce). Niece, Joyce (Bailey) Ellis (Phil), grandson, BJ Buckland (Sandy), Tye Buckland (Sarah) and G. Cody Day. Seven great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Sibling Jewel (Bailey) Russell, Barbara (Bailey) Lavetis, numerous nieces and nephews and a very special friend, her dog Bridget. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Charles and Donald Bailey, sister Margaret (Bailey) Favorty.  

She graduated from Lowell High School in Lowell, IN and from Gary Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in 1941. She worked at the blood bank during WWII, she stopped nursing to raise a family and volunteered at Infant Welfare Society, well baby clinic and in the Urgent Care Department at Presbyterian St. Luke’s, Chicago, Il. She was active in Illinois Audubon Society where a Volunteer of the year Award was named after her, Chicago Audubon Society, Nineteenth Century Woman’s Club, First Methodist Church Youth Services, Oak Park, IL. She returned to nursing fulltime in the 70’s. After moving to Jackson, MI she continued her volunteering at the Jackson District Library Children’s department reading books to children at schools, she also took her dog as a therapy dog to visit residents in nursing homes. She was an environmentalist, and ornithologist who traveled the world looking for birds to add to her list, also an avid reader. She made dozens of Christmas ornaments every year for relatives and friends, for over 20 years. She also made 10 quarts of strawberry jam each year to give to family and friends. She was a wonderful cook and baker who occasionally was a test cook for cookbooks. She never met a person he didn’t like and always remembered names of people. Her house had an open door policy for friends around the country.

According to her request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be held at the Spring Arbor University, Kresge Student Center, 210 College St. Spring Arbor, MI on Saturday, February 15, 2020 from 12-3pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Illinois Audubon Society or a charity of your choice.

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