Mary Edna Pigeon-Vanderwood Baa went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 8th, 2025, at home surrounded by family and friends by her side. Mary a tribal elder of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish band of Potawatomi Indians, daughter to her late parents Edmund and Jennie (Stevens) Pigeon. She was born on November 16, 1946, in Allegan, MI. Graduated Hopkins High School Class of 1964, Mary has always been a huge part of her community. Mary's first husband Robert Comer Sr. who shared their four children and spent many years together. Mary spent the largest part of her life with her late husband John Vanderwood.

Mary enjoyed volunteering, playing, watching softball and being the cheer leader. She loved creating and teaching beautiful  cultural crafts. Attending Pow Wows, gatherings, and being a vendor, making black ash baskets, dream catchers, and shawls. Among her many adventures she was a social butterfly and cherished her time with her family, friends and community.

Mary, a very fast walker, enjoyed her times at the casino, win or lose, she always had a great time and was loved by all at the Gun Lake Casino Resort. Mary retired after many years from Denny's restaurant. She loved traveling Michigan and other states, attending many tribal gatherings, church camps, and elder trips. When she was home, she loved time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren going to movies, fires, making banana bread and cherishing every moment. Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility and Truth was Mary showing the next generations how to live a life with purpose. Mary is missed deeply, and her light continues to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her children Mari Comer, Robert Comer Jr., Michael Pigeon and Sam Comer; siblings Helen Hillman, Woodrow Arthur (Patricia) Pigeon, Norman (Leslie) Pigeon, and John (Loraine) Pigeon; sisters in-law Debra Pigeon, Katheryn Pigeon and Faith Pigeon; 17 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband John Vanderwood; parents Edmund and Jennie (Stevens) Pigeon; siblings Edmund Pigeon, Andrew Pigeon, Steven Pigeon, Cindy Pigeon and Sandra Rose Pigeon.

Mary's funeral service will start at 3:00pm officiated by Todd Williamson on Saturday, September 13, with a two-hour visitation before, from 1:00pm – 3:00pm at Jijak Camp 2558 20th Street, Hopkins, MI 49328. Graveside service to follow the funeral with procession, to Bradley Cemetery. Dinner to follow after the graveside at Jijak Camp.