E. Marie Paul, 95, of Bronson passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2012.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson with Donna Brown, CSB officiating. She will also be honored by the O.E.S. #354 during the service. No other services will be held. Private interment will take place at Bronson Cemetery in Bronson.
Marie was born January 1, 1917 in Salem Center, Indiana to Cyrus Elmer and Ruth Bell (Weaver) Tritch. She married Gorden E. Paul on October 4, 1940 in Bronson, he preceded her in death on October 6, 1975.
Marie was a member of the Bronson and Sturgis Christian Scientists Church. She had lived in Bronson since 1926, was named Bronson’s first Homecoming Queen in 1934 and graduated from Bronson High School in 1935. Upon graduating she was awarded a scholarship to become a secretary and had worked at Bronson Reel and Bronson Products. Marie was active in many different organizations including Tri-County Council of Girl Scouts where she helped to organize the group, Hammond Organ Society, Branch-St. Joe Historical Societies, Sturgis Doll Club, Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.) #354 and the Branch County Republicans, where she served as Vice-President for 10 years. Her favorite hobbies were playing the organ and sewing.
Marie is survived by her daughter Cynthia “Cindy” (Larry) Whitney of Bronson, her sister Priscilla Hoopingarner of Sturgis, step-grandchildren Catherine (Michael) Brooks, Leigh Ann (Michael) Colegrove, step great-grandchildren Gabrielle, Kayla, Jennifer and London.
In addition to her husband Gorden, she was preceded in death by her 6 year old sister Thelma Eleanor in 1920.
Memorials may be directed to the Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.), Bronson Food Bank, Bronson High School Scholarship Fund or Branch County Commission on Aging.