Mary J. Fertig, 93, of Colorado Springs died May 29, 2016. She was the daughter of the late Charles M. “Jerry” and Mona Alice (Corbin) East of New Albany, Indiana. Mary graduated from New Albany High School in 1941 and married her lifelong sweetheart, the late William V. Fertig, Col USAF (Ret.), in September, 1942. After the war, Mary embarked on a long career as a nomadic Air Force wife.
Mary was always ready to create a new home, whenever and wherever the Air Force demanded. From Biloxi, Mississippi to Adak, Alaska; Travis AFB, California to Omaha, Nebraska; Mary met every move with a smile. After 35 years of moves, Mary and Bill designed and built their dream house in Colorado Springs. Mary lived there for the rest of her life, leaving it only to travel with Bill to visit family and friends across the country and RV-ing twice up the AlCan Highway to Alaska.
Mary’s hobbies included collecting antique crystal and china, sewing and crocheting, and playing bridge and Mahjong. She loved cooking, and baked dozens of persimmon puddings and pfeffernüesse cookies every Christmas, which were eagerly anticipated by relatives and friends everywhere.
Survivors include her four children and their spouses: Charles and wife Lana Ellis of Stilwell, Kansas; John and wife Mary Anna of Westmoreland, Kansas; Janet and husband Marshall Giguere of Groton, Massachusetts; and Catherine Parris and husband David of Colorado Springs; her sister, Sarah East Slechta and brother Charles M. East, Jr., Charlotte, North Carolina and brother John V. East of Louisville, Kentucky, eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned for 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 1, at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, followed by a reception at Mary’s home. Inurnment will be in the Shrine of Remembrance Veteran’s Honor Court.
Donations may be made to the Piankeshaw Chapter NSDAR, and sent to Piankeshaw Chapter NSDAR, PO Box 881, New Albany, IN 47151-0881. Please write “in memory of Mary J. Fertig” on any checks.