Mary Jane Latowski

Mary Jane (Gould) Latowski, age 88 of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully on Thursday May 27, 2026. Mary was born in Dowagiac MI on February 21, 1938, the daughter of Charles (Fred) and Helen (Phillips) Gould.

Mary completed her Undergraduate Degree in Education at Western Michigan University and began her teaching career in Gull Lake Schools, Richland MI, where she met the love of her life, Lawrence (Larry). Mary and Larry were married on November 16, 1962 and they shared a devoted and truly loving marriage until Larry’s passing in 2024.

While raising their three children, Mary earned her Master’s Degree at WMU. She returned to teaching full-time in the high school Business department, guiding students through typing, word processing, computer programming, and business law curriculum. She spent the majority of her career in the Harper Creek and Lakeview Public Schools. She balanced her work with admirable devotion to her family and faith, and loved pursuing many hobbies. She decorated her home with her beautiful ceramics, played golf with her extraordinary Binder Bunny friends, competed in bowling leagues, hosted pinochle groups, and traveled and shopped with her sister, who always remained her best friend and ally. Mary was always an avid reader and managed camping vacations, weekend road trips and regular visits with her extended family.

Mary never failed to host memorable holidays for the larger family, and her skill and willingness to plan gatherings and prepare delicious meals was to be admired. She was in demand for her specialties of homemade bread rolls, pies and cream puffs. Mary always was proud to visit her children and grandchildren at every invitation and for every possible milestone occasion.

She was a devout Catholic, and donated her time endlessly to the church, especially in service to the St. Joan Unit of the St. Joseph Council of Catholic Women, where she maintained some of her lifelong friendships. She supported bake sales and fundraisers, worked bingo nights, and cooked and served at funeral banquets. She devoted her time and talents to others humbly, with kindness and true generosity in every way.

Mary is survived by her sister, Susan (Gould) Heater of Hartford MI, and her three children, Lori (Grover), Lisa (Korte) and Andrew, and cherished granddaughters. Mary was preceded in death by Cynthia Gould and her twin sister Nancy (Gould) Holloman, as well as her husband of 63 years, Lawrence (Larry) Latowski.

Mary’s giving nature touched many lives and she will be remembered for her kindness to others without judgment, patience, compassion, and willingness to teach and serve. If you were lucky enough to be a part of her family, to know her as your teacher, friend, neighbor, or want to honor Mary’s memory in any way, a funeral Mass will be held at St. Jospeh Catholic Church, 61 N 23rd St, Battle Creek on Monday June 29, 2026. Visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00 am, Rosary at 10:30 am, Funeral Mass at 11:00 am and a memorial gathering and luncheon will follow in the parish center. Mary will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Tuesday, June 30th at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Joseph Council of Catholic Women would be appreciated. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care.  Your personal messages for the family and favorite memories may be placed at www.farleysestesdowdle.com.