Mary Cauleen Galer

Mary Cauleen (Bawks, Howell) Galer, age 93, of Pickford, Michigan, died peacefully at MyMichigan Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on March 2, 2023. She was born at home in Pickford, Michigan, on April 5, 1929, to Robert Orville and Della Jane (McDowell) Bawks. Mary was passionate about education throughout her life. After graduating from Pickford High School in 1947, she began her higher education studies at Bob Jones University, where she met and fell in love with fellow educator Sandy Howell. They were married in Pickford on June 9, 1951. She continued her education at Western Michigan University, earning a bachelor’s degree in science. She continued studies at Ferris State University, Northern Michigan University, and Michigan State University. Mary began teaching at Parkerville School, a one room schoolhouse in Bruce Township, Michigan, and retired as Principal of Pickford Elementary School after an illustrious 41 year career. After they both lost their first spouses, Mary and Willis Galer fell in love and eloped to Maui, Hawaii on September 20, 1995. They enjoyed 20 years of traveling and adventure together, often with her best friend Dorthea and her husband Ragan Callaway and Bill and Norma Raynard. Mary’s faith was an integral part of her life. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Pickford. She volunteered as a Sunday School teacher and was the Choir and Cantatas Director for 27 years. Mary enjoyed the musical arts outside of church as well. She sang with music groups Vocal Majority and the Mary Wood Chorus, and she was an accomplished clarinetist and organist. Mary joined Delta Kappa Gamma International for Women Educators in 1960 and served as a chapter and state officer. She was awarded the Delta Kappa Gamma Woman of Distinction award in 1976. She was a member of the Pickford Grange and served in several positions including officer, flora, and chaplain. Mary was awarded the Woman of the Year award in 1983 by the Business and Professional Women organization. She was also a member of the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principal’s Association. Mary was an animal lover and had seven beloved Boston Terrier companions throughout her life. Mary is survived by her nephew, Charles (Jenni) Bawks of White Oak, Texas; niece, Aleta (Dan) Phelps of Euless, Texas; great nephews, Russell (Kristen) Bawks, Stephen (Jennifer) Phelps, Michael (Manuela) Phelps, and Timothy Phelps; and 6 great-great nieces and nephews; stepdaughter, Linda (David) Thompson of Pickford; stepson, Rod (Patsy) Galer of Pickford; grandchildren, Candace (Larry) Warner, Cheri (Scott) Skinner, Trisha (Zac) Jennings, Micah (Lisa) Galer, Nathan (Tiffany) Galer, and Emily Galer; 16 great grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Edith Howell Pfoutz and Lorraine Galer, and brother-in-law, Paul VanLuven. Mary was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert Howell and Willis Galer; her parents, Robert Orville and Della; her brother, Alvin Bawks; and her great nephew, Matthew Bawks. Services will be held Monday, April 10, 2023, at the Pickford Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will be in Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan. Galer Funeral Home & Cremation of Pickford, Michigan, is serving the family. Condolences may be left to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.

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Mary Cauleen Galer

April 5, 1929 - March 2, 2023