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Mary Elizabeth (Francisco) Borger, age 93, of Three Rivers, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 in her home. She was born June 20, 1917 in Fort Wayne, the daughter of James and Anna (Green) Francisco.
In her youth, Mary played on the girls’ basketball team, relished in spending her days at her grandparents’ farm where she particularly enjoyed horseback riding, and learned early in life the importance of hospitality and giving to others. She graduated from Elkhart High School with the class of 1936 and was employed by Miles Laboratories. On Aug. 12, 1939, she married Carroll Borger. They made their home in Elkhart until 1952 when they moved their family to Pleasant Lake near Three Rivers. Mr. Borger died on May 4, 1968 after which time Mary worked at and managed the Edythe Shop in downtown Three Rivers, retiring in 1987. A woman of amazing strength and courage, Mary’s greatest treasure was her family. She rarely missed a grandchild’s recital, school or church event, birthday party, baseball and basketball games. She enjoyed sewing, decorating, reading, gardening, cooking and entertaining small groups of friends at her home for brunches and English teas. Until recent years, Mary spent the winter months in California and was able to travel to England at the young age of 83. She was past president of the Three Rivers Business and Professional Women’s Club, member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Friendship Circle and Three Rivers Hospital Auxiliary.
Surviving are five daughters and three sons, Judy (Bob) Herrold of Elkhart, Maryjane Myers of Three Rivers, Laurie (Ross) Erickson of Redwood City, Calif., Ann Borger of Amherst, Ohio, Lisa (Jeff) Weir of Amherst, Ohio, Jon Borger of Elkhart, Ind., Tim (Joyce) Borger of Granger, Ind. and Tom Borger of Three Rivers; grandchildren, Dana (Jim) Ward, Leslie Brown, Leanne (Scott) Phillips, Ryan (Melissa) Borger, Blake (Tracy) Borger, Jeff Myers, Christine Myers, Joe Myers, Kelly Laskarides, Karen (Eric Brooks) Erickson, Nathan (Amy) Erickson, Todd (Becky) Borger, Connor Weir and Griffin Weir; great-grandchildren, Adam and Lauren Ward, Mady and Dylan Brown, Sophia, Grace and Luke Phillips, Patrick Moffit, Jarred Finnerman, Madison Borger, Lindsey and Logan Maynard, Carlie and Katie Byers, Ryan and Brandon Myers, Nicholas Laskarides, Kailen, Lauren and Tristen Erickson, Delaney, Macy and Ethan Borger; great-great-grandchild, Jaiden Maynard; nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Paul Francisco; sisters, Helen Podawiltz, Donelda Strintz and Barbara Roth.
It was Mary’s wish to be cremated. The family will greet friends at a visitation to be held Friday, Feb. 18 from 6-8 p.m. at the Hohner Funeral Home. A private family burial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Three Rivers Health Homecare and Hospice Services, 222 S. Main St., Three Rivers, MI 49093.
