Mary Ellen Widmer

Mary Ellen “Meg” Widmer of Greencastle passed away September 12, 2026, three days after her 85th birthday. Meg grew up on a farm in Armada, Michigan. This is where her great love of animals, gardening and the land was born. She learned the value of hard work, integrity and empathy from her parents, who were true examples of the American dream. Meg was a lover of anything patriotic or military; she deeply believed she was blessed to live in the greatest country in the world. Her faith carried her through her entire life of hills and valleys and a difficult last few years. Up to the end she would say she had a wonderful life, and even in hard times would say, “It could be worse.” Her tenacity, perseverance and determination were remarkable. Integrity and being true to oneself were her highest principles. 

Throughout her life she worked in a variety of professions, in positions ranging from secretary to assistant director. Due to family needs, she several times had to start a new career path, but every time she would learn, rise and be promoted into leadership roles. Some of her most treasured experiences were working for the National Federation for the Blind in Topeka, Kansas, in civil service at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan and for the American Cancer Society in Indianapolis. She maintained contact with special work friends and was a faithful penpal to many for decades. Meg believed in the safeguard of multiple income streams, and toward that end owned multiple businesses during her lifetime, including a gift shop, a medical transcription business and most recently Birdsong Bed and Breakfast in Greencastle. She truly enjoyed meeting new people and hearing their stories. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, sewing, genealogy, reading, writing and most especially spending time with animals. She loved them all.

Meg is survived by her husband Steven E. Widmer of Lafayette, son Vincent Smith and wife Carol of Avon, and daughter September Smith and husband Mark Palmer of Greencastle. She is also survived by her grandchildren Nicholas Smith, Amanda Shiner and John Misener. She was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Ethel (Miller) Welsh, brothers Eldon Coller and Frederick Welsh and sisters Alice Welsh Davies and Grace Welsh Winslow. Cremation has taken place. Interment will take place at a later date at Bruce Armada Cemetery in Armada, Michigan.The family wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to the wonderful staff at Mill Pond Health Campus in Greencastle for the care they provided Meg. Their kindness will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any organization that helps animals.

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