Mary Bader died September 25, 2018 at Clare Bridge Sterling House of Troy. Mary will be remembered with love by all who knew her. Born August 19, 1924 in Troy to Maurice and Marjorie Gantz. She graduated from Troy High School as salutatorian, class of '42 and the University of Cincinnati, with a B.S., valedictorian of the School of Nursing, class of '46. Mary attended Columbia University for post-graduate studies and Miami University for her teaching credentials.
She married Martin Keith Bader of Troy in 1949. She was preceded in death, by Keith and her siblings, Dorothy Tigerman and George, Maurice Jr. and Robert Gantz.
Mary was always family-oriented and took particular joy in her role as mother and grandmother. She enjoyed traveling, was an avid reader, gardener and loved music. Throughout her life, she was active in the community as a member of service organizations and as a volunteer. She was a member of the Troy Baptist Church in her youth and the First Lutheran Church after marriage. In 2004, Mary and Keith were recipients of the Troy Sertoma Club's "Service to Mankind" Award.
Professionally, Mary enjoyed two careers: nursing and teaching. She was a Registered Nurse at Stouder and Dettmer Hospitals for many years. She taught 4th grade at Kyle Elementary School for 10 years. She then returned to nursing at Upper Valley Medical Center and Harborside Nursing Home before retiring.
She is survived by her children, Marjorie (John) Gudmundson of the Dominican Republic, Fred (Toni) Bader of Troy, Brian (Barbara) Bader of Springfield and Beverly (Jim) Buckley of Eugene, Oregon; 6 grandchildren: Sarah ( Steve) Barber, Abby (Adam) Huwer, Jim (Catie) Bader, Erin (Joe) Dempsey, Devon and Graydon Bader: 5 great-grandchildren: Evelyn, David, Jack, Grant and Jamison.
At her request, there will be a private service for immediate family to be held at a later date. She will be interred at Riverside Cemetery, Troy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made, in Mary’s name, to The Troy Historical Society, Friends of the Library at Troy/Miami County Library or the Alzheimer’s Association.