SAGINAW, MI – The Saginaw community is mourning the loss of Mary Catherine Washington, a beloved advocate and inspiring leader, who passed away on November 12, 2024, at the age of 78. Mary’s decades-long dedication to public service and community empowerment has left an indelible mark on countless lives.
Born on September 22, 1946, in Opelousas, Louisiana, Mary moved to Saginaw, where she became a pillar of her community. For over 30 years, she served as a Community Affairs Specialist for Senator Carl Levin, championing the needs of underserved communities and ensuring their voices were heard in government. Her work was a testament to her tireless advocacy for equity and social justice.
Mary’s impact extended beyond her professional career. As the President of the North East Saginaw Neighborhood Association, she spearheaded initiatives that brought neighbors together and revitalized her community. From organizing neighborhood clean-ups to creating the Tulip Exchange Program, which united children through beautification efforts, her work fostered pride and unity in Saginaw. Her dedication to education and access led her to serve on the Saginaw County Library Board, ensuring underserved families had resources for learning and growth.
Her contributions were recognized nationally with the prestigious Jefferson Award for Public Service, honoring her as one of the nation’s most dedicated civic leaders.
Mary’s creative spirit was evident in her love for theater and storytelling. She founded the Baraka Actors Group in the 1980s and 1990s, providing a platform for local talent and fostering a sense of community through art. Her earlier work included teaching modern dance classes to promote health and joy in inner-city neighborhoods. Always thoughtful and generous, she organized holiday food basket deliveries to ensure no one in her community was overlooked during the holidays.
Above all, Mary cherished her family. As a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she found joy in creating memories, sharing stories, and instilling resilience and love in her children and grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her daughters LaTonya, Bianca, Anica, Naija, Chaniqua, and her son Cordell, along with more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy of service and love.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Roseboro’s Mortuary Chapel, 4300 Statesville Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:30 p.m.
