Firman, Mary Charlotte

Mary Charlotte Firman, 90, passed away Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009, at Rose Haven Nursing Home, Marengo, following an extended illness. Funeral services: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at First United Methodist Church, Marengo, with the Rev. Katie Dawson officiating. Burial will be in Colfax Cemetery, Colfax, Iowa. Visitation: 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo.

A memorial fund has been established.

Mary is survived by her three children, Jon (Chris) Firman of Niantic, Conn., Jayne (Marvin) Machacek of Norway, Iowa, and Jeffrey (Cindy) Firman of Indianapolis; five grandchildren, Jon Lloyd Firman, Lindsey, Ashley, McKinsey and Courtney Firman; along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by four sisters, Martha in childhood, Iris Dwight, Enid Nelson and Doris Stacy; two brothers, Dale in childhood and William Wilding; and an infant daughter, Judith Ann. Mary was born July 26, 1919, in Colfax, Iowa, the daughter of John and Nell Hester Wilding. She attended the Colfax schools and graduated from Newton High School in 1938. Mary was united in marriage to Lloyd Firman on Nov. 8, 1941, in Las Vegas, Nev. The couple moved to Los Angeles and later back to Iowa where they settled in Norway. Following Lloyd's death in 1979, Mary moved to Marengo, where she resided until her death.

Mary had a beautiful singing voice, singing for many weddings and church choirs. She loved to cook, garden and before moving to Rose Haven, was active with HACAP and Senior Dining programs. She was an active member of the Methodist churches in both Norway and Marengo.

Mary's family would like to thank the staff of Rose Haven and Hospice Compassus for their kindness and care shown to Mary in her final years.

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