Glass, Mary Kathelene

New Baltimore, MI (Formerly of Ypsilanti, MI)

Age 83, slipped away peacefully Sunday, August 28, 2022 at the Village of East Harbor Skilled Nursing in Chesterfield Township, MI following a four-year battle with her health. She was born July 24, 1939 in Grayson, KY, the daughter of Strother and Eula (Harlow) Glass.

Mary, better known as Kathelene by friends and family, held an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Washtenaw Community College, a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University (EMU), and a Master's Degree in Guidance Counseling from University of Michigan. She was a graduate of Willow Run High School.

She was one of the original team members involved in the creation and licensing of an early childhood program known as Joyland Child World, located on the corner of Oak and Charles Streets in Ypsilanti. A second location was later opened on Textile Road, where Kathelene was the Director and Lead Teacher. She taught kindergarten through second grade at Apostolic Christian Academy and later was on faculty at EMU in the Biology, Music, and Continuing Education Departments. She provided independent counseling services and was the author and illustrator of her own personal works. She was a wonderful children's storyteller.

Kathelene was an active volunteer with several groups in southeast Michigan. She taught Sunday School, Bible Study, Search for Truth, and Vacation Bible School. She provided community counseling services and worked in local soup kitchens. While residing in Ypsilanti, she attended Appstolic Faith Church (now Iglesia Cosecha/Harvest Church), where she developed their childcare program.

Kathelene is survived by her siblings Karren Glass of Ypsilanti, MI, and Jerome (Carol) Glass of Westland, MI. She was "Aunt Katki" to many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. A special thank you to her great-niece and guardian, Autumn Fletcher, for taking such good care of Kathelene's personal business and ensuring that she was well taken care of as her medical needs changed over the last seven years.

Kathelene was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Rita Lynn Glass, Terry Evelyn Schwab, Robin Paul Glass and Edgel Zane Glass.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held 11 am Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Stark Funeral Professionals with visitation beginning at 10 am (101 S. Washington Street, Ypsilanti). Kathelene's final resting place will be Lodi Township Cemetery.