St. Clair County Obits

MARY EMILY GINSBURG SHORT

Mary Emily Ginsburg, born in Osceola July 28th, 1932, went to her heavenly home February 5th, 1999. She joins her husband Ted nearly six months after his death.

Mary was born to Robert W. and Mary Green Ginsburg, former publishers of the old St. Clair County Democrat. The fourth child of their union, Mary was truly a sunshine child, remembered for her easy-going spirit and happy smile.

She attended Osceola schools, graduating from Osceola High School in 1950. After a semester at Mary Hardin-Baylor College, Mary attended Central Missouri State College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She met her husband Ted R. Short in Texas, where she had been teaching speech correction.

Mary and Ted were united in marriage June 11, 1955, at The Chapel, in Columbia, Missouri. Because of Ted's Air Force career, they were stationed in Hawaii for three years, where they had sons James Howard, in 1956, and Jonathan Albert in 1957. During a move to New Jersey in 1958, Mary spent time at her parent's home in Osceola, where her third son Donald Eugene was born. A year later, in New Jersey, Mary gave birth to her fourth son, Robert William. Four boys in four years kept Mary very busy, leaving no time to pursue her career in education. In 1961, Mary and Ted finally had the daughter they had been hoping for, as Mary Anna was born.

The family seemed complete, so Mary returned to teaching. She taught in the public schools of North Hanover Township, New Jersey. Mary and Ted were surprised, in 1968, by the birth of another son, Thomas Richard. She always felt he was the "Postscript" of the family; something very important that should not be forgotten. About the same time as Tom's birth, Mary was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After the initial diagnosis, the doctors felt she only had five years to live. She beat it, dying 30 years after the diagnosis. She carried on bravely in the face of this disease, relying on her religious faith for strength and sustenance.

One more move due to Ted's career settled the family in Tacoma, Washington, in 1971. Mary taught as a substitute teacher in the Tacoma public schools, finally having to give that up due to the MS. Even though MS confined her, Mary found ways to serve God, as Superintendent of the Sunday School at Bethany UMC, UMW President, Bible study leader, Volunteer at the Tacoma Mall Giving Tree, staffing voting precinct tables, and as Vice President of the Resident Council at Tacoma Lutheran Home. Mary continued to grow in her faith, studying the Bible and teaching her children the truths it contains. Romans 8: 28 was her creed. She enjoyed Bible study, loved her family, knitting, and animals.

After a fall in 1997, Mary entered the Tacoma Lutheran Nursing Home, where she came to love the staff, and they in turn loved her. Ted joined her there in January 1998. They were together until his death August 15th, 1998. Mary's health and the disease of MS finally combined to be too much for her body, but her spirit stayed strong and she died in the comfort of her faith.

Mary is survived by her children, listed above, and daughters-in-law Linda, Karen, Linda, Julie, Erin, and one son-in-law, Doug Hanson, as well as former daughter-in-law Michelle, grandchildren Mark, Rochelle, Kristen, Jon-Michael, Lauren, Andrew, Daniel, Amy, Amber, Jimmy, Denise, and Shauna; grandchild #13 is not yet born. She is also survived by her brother, Howard, and Shirley Ginsburg of California, sister Lucy E. Wilkins, of Pennsylvania, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of her life was held at Mason United Methodist Church, in Tacoma, Washington, on February 15th, 1999. Remembrances may be made to the MS Society, Western Washington Chapter, 192 Nickerson Ste 100, Seattle, WA, 98125 or the Tacoma Lutheran Home, 1301 N Highlands Pkwy, Tacoma, WA, 98406