Mrs Mary "Epp" Alice (Maul) Bishop, age 87, of Grand Rapids, passed away February 18, 2019 at her residence surrounded by family. She was born January 10, 1932 in Aitkin County. She was delivered by a midwife in the home of parents Clyde and Agnes Maul.
Mary grew up as the daughter of a country butcher/veterinarian during the great depression. She once said of her childhood, "I grew up to appreciate everything. We all had to work hard, when we got 10 cents, we thought we were rich!" She was the seventh of nine children. She was preceded in death by them all.
In 1951, She married WWII veteran George Bishop. Her husband was disabled by the war and Mary dedicated many years to his care and recovery. Despite this hardship, she managed to have various second jobs which included: nurses aide, cleaning cabins, long time waitress at the Chinese Dragon, and gypsy flea marketer. She was most proud of her ability to spot a good deal at a garage sale or auction and to resell it for a tidy profit. She spoke of her years traveling as a flea marketer with a special smile and a sparkle in her soul. Even after the death of her husband in 1987, she continued to travel and sell by herself and her faithful dog companion "little girl". In these years she met "the love of her life" Dave Nixon AKA "Slick Nick". The two spent many winters in Georgia selling wares and hand picking and shelling pecans. She sold enough to proudly earn the title of "The Pecan Lady".
One of Mary"s greatest pleasures was to catch fish. She filled many a bucket with pre-season bass ("the illegal ones taste the best!") and sunfish. She especially enjoyed the fishing and friendship with Vic and Susie Q. Also, if any muskrat or grey squirrel came within range of her trusty .410, they would meet their likely end before they could damage her fishing grounds or bird feeders. Throughout her life she was known for deadly accuracy with her shotgun. She loved to keep her unusual food traditions alive by giving away many many batches of homemade pickles, wild mushrooms, hand dug horseradish, hand crafted blood sausage, head cheese, beans with pigs feet, and especially snapping turtle stew. Mary also loved to bake pies, cakes, cookies, and whatever was your favorite.
She took great pride and enjoyment in mowing her lawn even in her last year. Often you could find her on her riding lawn mower, even on the same day she was discharged from a stay in the hospital. She threw caution and grass to the wind!
Mary loved to gamble and play cards. She was a religious bingo player and a fierce competitor in her 500 card club. She was also a member of the VFW, Eagles, DAV, and Let"s Go Fishing with Seniors. In lieu of flowers Mary wanted any funeral donations directed to one of these organizations.

Mary was an extraordinary mother of two children: Sharon Kaye (Bishop) Doty and Gary Bernard Bishop. Gary also preceded her in death. Mary was unconditionally proud of her four biological grandchildren: Gabriel, Katrina, Isaiah, Jennifer, and her countless "adopted" grandchildren. Mary is also survived by her son in-law Dan Doty and seven great grandchildren. Everyone was warmly welcomed at "Grandma Mary"s House".

The family would also like to thank Dr. Harker, Dr. Carlisle, Dr. Lick, and all of the staff at Grand Itasca that cared for her. Her care was truly personal, compassionate, and appreciated.
Mary Bishop was old school in values, extraordinary in heart, and unsurpassed in strength. She was a salt of the earth woman, whose spirit was something to behold.


Memorial Mass will be held 11 am on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at St Joseph"s Catholic Church of Grand Rapids. Visitation will be held at 10 am, one hour prior at the church. A lunch reception will follow service. See online family guestbook at www.andrews-libbeyfh.com. Arrangements by Andrews-Libbey Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 218-326-4000.