Obituaries

Mary Alice Shrosbree passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on March 29, 2023 after suffering a stroke.  She was born on December 12, 1928 in Canton, Ohio to LeRoy Reed and Margaret (Bowerman) Taylor.  She graduated from Perry High School in 1946 and received a full academic scholarship to the University of Michigan where she graduated with a BA in Education in 1950.  She earned a Masters in Education from the University of Michigan in 1955.

During that time, she met and married the love of her life, Al Shrosbree. They had two sons, William “Bill” (Jane) and Robert “Bob” (Sue), 6 granddaughters, Kate, Sarah (Tyler), Emily, Lisa, Beth and Kelly and 2 great-grandchildren, Grant and Sadie.

Mary Alice was active in her church, most recently at Northbrook Presbyterian Church and for many years before that at Southfield United Presbyterian Church.  Over the years she was a member of the choir, served as a trustee and Sunday School teacher, participated in various women’s groups, and had other leadership positions.

Mary Alice loved music and trained as an opera singer at the University of Michigan.  She passed her love of music to Al and her children and all of them enjoyed performing together and with others.  A lifelong learner, she was active in the American Association of University Women and two long-term book clubs.

Mary Alice began her career as a teacher in Dearborn, Wayne, and Newton, MA and then took a hiatus to raise her boys until Bob was 9.  She resumed her career as an elementary and middle-school teacher in Southfield and retired at 67.  She was a hard, but fair, teacher and received many notes from students whose life she had positively impacted.

Al and Mary Alice were married for 68 years until Al’s death in 1990. They attended graduate school together at the University of Michigan where they became life-long Wolverine fans. They worked, raised their family and then travelled the world together.  They were blessed with a wonderful circle of friends.

Mary Alice was extremely grateful to share her life with Al.  Their love was a model for all. She was proud of their sons, their families and their accomplishments.  Despite living without Al for the last three years she remained positive and was known for her infectious smile at Sunrise Assisted Living Facility.

Mary Alice is survived by her son, Bob (Sue) Shrosbree, daughter-in-law Jane Shrosbree, her grandchildren, Kate, Sarah (Tyler), Emily, Lisa, Beth and Kelly as well as her great-grandchildren, Grant and Sadie.  She is also survived by her brother-in-law Ed Helbling and nephew Andy Helbling.  She is preceded in death by her husband Al Shrosbree, son Bill Shrosbree, and sister-in-laws, Alice Shrosbree, JoAnne Casillas, and Carol (Ed) Helbling.

A Memorial Service will be held at Orchard United Methodist Church, 30450 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, Monday April 10th at 11am. Friends may visit at the church on Monday beginning at 10am. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held at the church in Mary Alice’s memory. A private burial will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.

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