Mary Ann Czechowski

Mary Ann passed away on July 29 after a long illness, due to complications from Parkinson's disease.  

Mary Ann was born on September 1, 1942. Her parents were John Richter and Mary E. (Slavick)  Richter. Mary Ann is survived by her sister, Elizabeth J. Richter, and her husband of 48 years, Melvin  H. Czechowski, Ph.D.  

Mary Ann was a dedicated Geologist and environmentalist, who also loved the arts and volunteered to  many causes. She was well loved and respected by all.  

Mary Ann was always very interested in the Arts, and co-directed a play, Our Town, in high school. In  college, she studied both art history and geology. She received a Bachelor's degree in Geology at  Wayne State University and a Master's degree in Geology/Geography from Eastern Michigan  University. She also worked in the Chemistry department under Dr. Stanley Kirchner and together  they produced a specialized chemistry periodical, "Current Awareness System in Coordination  Chemistry". She was editor and administrator of this periodical. She was a recipient of Outstanding  Technology Communications award Society Technology Communications, 1990.  

She worked primarily as a consultant in Geology (MARC Geologic Research Service). In her work as  a geologist, she created a mineral catalogue of Nevada, and published "Gold in Michigan". Mary Ann  also worked as a reporter for the Ile Camera in Grosse Ile, MI. She also wrote many articles on  fashion, food and the environment for many periodicals.  

She was a Member of the Grosse Ile Natural Resources Committee, 1989-1993 She helped write the  tree ordinance for Grosse Ile. She was a founding member of the Grosse Ile Nature and Land  Conservancy, and served on its board of directors, 1993-1994, and secretary, 1993-1994.  

Mary Ann was a very long time and active member and director on the board of the Michigan Nature  Association (MNA). She was very proud of her association and work for the MNA. She had hoped  that her participation had helped the MNA attain many of its goals. 

Services will be held privately.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com