Mary A. Friend-Purdy, 91, of South Lincoln Avenue, Niles died at 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 at West Woods of Niles in Niles.

She was born Aug. 9, 1918 in Jackson County, Mich. to Frank McCain and Inda (Wheelock) McCain. She moved to Niles on Dec. 26, 1941 from Jackson, Mich., where she graduated from high school.

She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles, where she participated in ladies’ groups. She enjoyed square dancing, rock hunting and travel throughout the United States.

She married Raymond Friend on Dec. 25, 1941 in Jackson. He died Sept. 20, 1986. She married Everett “Ed” Purdy on Sept. 20, 1997 in Niles. He died Sept. 10, 2009.

She is survived by a daughter, Sharon Pierce of Niles; son, Alan R. (Jeannie) Friend of Saint Johns, Mich.; grandchildren, Scott, Christina and Julie; and great-grandchildren, Ryan, Greg, Samantha and James Jr.

She is preceded in death by a brother, Philip McCain.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2010 at Wesley United Methodist Church, Niles with the Rev. Edward H. Slate of the church officiating.
Burial will be at Woodland Cemetery, Jackson.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church.