Mary E. Trier
Mary E. Trier, 94, Columbia City, peacefully passed away Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, at Oak Pointe Assisted Living, Columbia City, where she had been a resident for the past four years.
She was born Feb. 28, 1926, in Columbia City, Indiana, a daughter of the late Ralph J. and Mary Camille (Hallauer) Grant. She grew up in Columbia City, graduating from Columbia City High School in 1944. Continuing her education, she completed International Business College in Fort Wayne.
After college, her first job took her to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., to assist with the post-war effort. After completing her assignment, she returned to Columbia City.
On May 16, 1946, she married Vernon E. Trier. The couple had always made their home in the Columbia City area. Vernon died Nov. 4, 2016.
In addition to being a homemaker raising four children, she had worked in county government for the Whitley County Clerk’s office and the Assessor’s office. She then worked for Weatherhead, Columbia City, for a couple of years and finished her work career at Bond Flex Rubber with 25 years of service.
An active member of Grace Lutheran Church, she was instrumental in starting the pre-school program and assisted with the food pantry. A past-president of Delta Theta Tau, she also served on the board of the American Cancer Society and belonged to the Parliamentary Law and Literacy Club.
Gardening throughout her life, she liked to keep up with the relentless weeds. She relaxed by visiting the local Crooked Lake and, during the summers, would often have “lunch on the lake.” From the 1980s, the couple wintered in Naples, Florida, eventually purchasing a home there, selling it in 2011. She belonged to a local ladies Bridge club, making lifetime friends. In her 50s, she took up the game of golf, becoming a good player, eventually scoring a hole-in-one at an area course.
Surviving are her children, Kathleen M. (James) Heuer, Carolyn L. Trier, both of Columbia City, Grant V. (Kathy) Trier of Clearwater, FL, and Thomas A. (Leanna) of Columbia City, who are convinced their mother and father are now jitterbugging their way across heaven’s dance floor. Fourteen grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Additionally, she was preceded in death by a sister, Kathleen A. Squires.
There will be a private family service with burial at the Greenhill Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
In Mary’s honor, memorials are to Heartland Hospice; Whitley County Community Foundation, Crooked Lake Fund; or Grace Lutheran Church.