Mary Paule (nee McMath) Bierlein, 84, of Huntley, peacefully passed at home, surrounded by family, after a long illness of Parkinson’s Disease.
Mary Paule was born August 30, 1938, the eldest daughter of Wilbur C. “Mac” and Donalda M. (nee MacMurchy) McMath in Lapeer, Michigan. Both parents were teachers. She and her parents were Charter Members of the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City (PCTC).
Mary Paule married John C. Bierlein, Aug. 20, 1960, in Traverse City, Michigan. Mary Paule and John are proud parents of Dr. Paul A. Bierlein, DVM, local veterinarian, and Lori A. Bierlein, a local real estate agent, in Indiana and Illinois.
Mary Paule attended schools in Lapeer and Holt, Michigan, then graduated from Traverse City High School in 1956. She was a member of the school National Honor Society. In school, she enjoyed music, playing clarinet and oboe in the High School Orchestra and Marching Band. She was selected as a soloist for Christmas Concert, and participated in weekly programs at the Interlochen Summer Music Camp, Michigan.
Mary Paule changed her major, from Music to Education, earning a BA degree in Education from Michigan State University in 1960. At MSU, she joined the Promenaders Dance Group and became a member of the group’s Demonstration Dance Team. This Team did presentations and shows, demonstrating a variety of dances, primarily Square, Round, Line and Folk dancing. This is where she met her husband-to-be. They enjoyed dancing together for decades to come.
At MSU, Mary Paule joined the Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity, of which her mother, Donalda, was a Charter Member, also from MSU. Mary Paule continued her activity with Alpha Xi Delta, and she was recognized via ceremonies with the “Order of the Rose” (2008) and “Order of the Pearl” (2018).
Upon graduation from MSU and after their wedding, she joined her husband in Madison, Wisconsin, and taught first grade. John worked at the University of Wisconsin, while earning his PhD. Upon graduation in 1965, they moved to Royal Oak, Michigan when John obtained work at the General Motors Research Labs. Mary Paule became a Royal Oak school teacher.
They have lived in Madison, Wisconsin, Royal Oak, Michigan, and Shelby Township, Michigan, before moving to Huntley, Illinois in 2008.
Mary Paule and family participated in both Camp Fire Boys & Girls, and Boy Scouts of America, with their children. Mary Paule was District Area Board member and VP of Camp Fire, and Den Mother for the Boy Scouts, with John as Assistant Scout Master and Committee Chairman. She was active in Great Lakes Recreation Leaders Lab, which focused on training recreational leaders.
Mary Paule and family had many weekends at her parent’s cottage, traveled throughout the US and Canada (doing family tree studies). In addition, they have traveled to Mexico, Europe, Australia, Hawaii and Alaska.
One major trip was visiting the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope Facility at Kitt Peak, near Tucson, AZ. Mary Paule was related to Robert Raynolds McMath, one of the founders of this huge mountainside, reflecting telescope (est. 1958-59), and visited the McMath-Hulbert Solar Observatory in Lake Angelus, Michigan (est. 1929), owned by the McMath family. Here, a notable achievement was obtaining first movies of solar prominences and solar spectroscopy.
Mary Paule, John, and their children raised a variety of pets. Many Siamese Cats, Mallard ducks from eggs (from farm), Monarch butterflies from larva to adults (in own yard), hamsters, mice, and guinea pigs. One surprise was upon a follow up visit to the farm, the three Mallards that we raised recognized and came running toward us.
She was well known for her involvement in School and Church functions, and Mary Paule enjoyed spending time with Youth Groups in the Community. Her hobbies included Crafts, Sewing, Reading, and Baking. You could always find her baking dozens of cookies and breads to share around the Holidays, or hand-making keepsake gifts.
Mary Paule and John, after moving to Huntley, learned that Mary Paule’s great grand aunt, Eunice Wilbur, married Charles Lay Huntley, fifth cousin of Thomas Stillwell Huntley, founder. Mary Paule and John are founding members of The Huntley Historical Society (documentation at Huntley Library and THHS).
Mary Paule will be greatly missed by all who knew her as a caring, loving, nurturing, and giving person.
Mary Paule is survived by her husband, John Bierlein, her children, Paul (Susan) Bierlein and Lori Bierlein, her grandchildren, Michaela “MJ” and Drew. She is also survived by her sister Anne (Steve) Jones, her cousins Richard Moran and John Moran, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, aunt Peg Moran, uncle Doug MacMurchy, uncle Gale McMath, and uncle Paul McMath Jr., who’s plane was shot down during WW2.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 17, 2022, from 9 a.m. to time of Memorial Service 11 a.m. all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
The service will be led by their Retired Minister, Tanya Muzzarelli.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name can be made to PCTC or First Presbyterian Church, Marengo, Illinois.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be sent to www.defiorefuneral.com
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So sorry for your loss. Mary Paule had a courageous struggle with her health. I always enjoyed visiting with her and appreciated her support of the Huntley Historical Society. And her family connection with town founder Thomas Huntley is just the best!
John, my most heartfelt sympathies for you. Mary Paule was a great lady who always lit up the room with her smile. I enjoyed many conversations with her over the years and was especially glad to see her on her last visit to a BIGWILL meeting. May you be comforted that she has found relief from her Parkinson's and is enjoying a warm welcome home. May Heavenly Father bless you with his peace and assurance of being with Mary Paule again. Maureen Brady