Mary Jean McMaster

November 9, 1929 - July 4, 2021

Mary Jean McMaster, 91, a longtime resident of Old Mission Peninsula, passed away July 4, 2021. Mary Jean was born on November 9, 1929, in South Boardman, to the late Paul and Edith (Brecheisen) Hayward. Mary Jean earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Central Michigan University, where she played the trombone in the marching band. She also became a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma women educators sorority while at CMU. Later on she earned her Master’s Degree from Michigan State University. She was employed by TCAPS and was an outstanding teacher for many years. On June 21, 1952, she married the love of her life, Cyril "Nick" Joseph McMaster, in Fife Lake. In 1957 they moved to Bluff Road and spent the rest of their lives enjoying living on Grand Traverse Bay. Mary Jean planned an annual family vacation that her children remember fondly. Mary Jean and Nick enjoyed snow and water skiing, golfing and travelling. They visited many national parks and enjoyed cruises all around the world. Mary Jean was an avid reader and will be remembered for her cherry pies. She had many titles throughout her life, but Grandma was definitely her favorite. Mary Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband Nick and her brother Louis. Mary Jean is survived by her children Michael (Christine), Donald (Laura), Karen (Timothy) Swatosh and Timothy; grandchildren Chase, Luke, Aaron, Jayme, Marsha, Scott and Mark; sisters Barbara Wilson and Helena Travis and brother Gordon Hayward. Mary Jean and Nick were members of St. Joseph Catholic Church on the Old Mission Peninsula. Mary Jean was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic Church in 2012. The mass of Christian Burial celebrating Mary Jean’s life will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Graveside services will follow the mass. A luncheon will then be held in her honor in the Parish Hall. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or to TCAPS.