Mrs. Mary Helena Friende

Mary Helena Graham was born September 25, 1913 to Fannie Juanita Foster Graham and James Essex Graham in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was the second child born to her parents. While she and her family resided in Arkansas, her father was employed in the bath houses and her mother was a teacher. Her family moved from Hot Springs when she was five years old to Detroit, Ml. She attended Columbian Primary School, Wingert Elementary School, McMichael Junior School and then graduated from Northwestern High School in 1921. She began her college education at City College which is now Wayne State University. At the encouragement of her Aunt Margaret Graham, a teacher, she moved to Gary, Indiana to live with her Aunt and Uncle Bud, to continue her education. She then transferred to the University of Chicago where she traveled by train daily from Gary to Chicago to attend college. She completed a two year degree as a Laboratory Technician and returned to Detroit. After completing her Associate's Degree, she wanted to work at Children's Hospital. The hospital required that she had to volunteer for a few months before she would be considered as a potential employee. She completed this requirement and was hired. During World War II she worked in a defense plant making parts for the war to help her country. Mary also obtained a real estate license and for a short period of time, sold real estate. She met and married the love of her life, DePolle Friende On August 21, 1940. No children were born of this union. They were very fond of dogs and had many during their marriage. They also entered various dog shows and won awards for their efforts. Her last dog was a Wire Fox Terrier, named "Millie," which she had for nearly nine years before she entered assisted living. Millie was lovingly cared for by her great-nephew, Brandon Graham when she moved out of her home of over 55 years. Millie died in November 2013. Mary Friende became a widow in 1977 after 37 wonderful years of marriage. Following his death she began to drive again and did so until she was 92 years old. While in assisted living she met a new friend, John Stout who brought his dogs to visit her frequently to every facility that she resided in for the past 5 years. And she made fast friends with Kay Kessler, a wonderful roommate at the Farmington Hills Inn Assisted Living. Mary was a keeper of quotes, announcements, books, magazines, newspaper clippings and a variety of other items all kept in meticulous order. She also enjoyed listening to classical and jazz music. Her time was often spent reading books on health. A hot cup of tea brought her much solace and was her constant companion at all of her meals. Mary maintained her home in Southwest Detroit on Deacon Street until she entered assisted living five years ago. Loving neighbors like Rachel Fews and her daughter, Gloria Hudson, Jonathan Hart, Kevin Hart and Diane Walker all provided care and attention that she was so grateful to receive. Mary Stroud, who was also a neighbor, called her frequently and sent cards for all occasions as well as other folks who often dropped by to visit during these past five years.

Mrs. Mary Helena Friende

September 25, 1913 - December 11, 2013