Mary Menser

BETHLEHEM - Mary Madelain Menser, 86, died Saturday, February 28, 2009.

Born in Newhaven, Conn., she was the daughter of the late Gerald and Marie Louise Giverdon Dowd. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Joseph Menser; and sister, Betty Post. Mrs. Menser loved Ornithology and was devoted to working with birds of prey, had won humanitarian awards working with injured birds of prey, and was licensed in the state of Florida for rehabilitation of birds of prey. She was a published author and poet, loved wildlife photography, a member of the Barrow Senior Center, a member of St. Anna’s Catholic Church, a charter member of the WWII Museum and a past member of the VFW and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Mark C. and Margo Menser, Fort Meyers, Fla., Franz P. and Mary Ann Menser, Ayden, N.C.; daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Richard Kohus, Bethlehem, Theresa “Lauren” and Ralph Davies, Tahachapi, Calif., and Paulette and Ray Metz, Salem, Conn.; grandchildren, Joseph and James Menser, Scott and Steven Kohus, Heather Bell and Hillary Peters; great-grandchildren, Joshua, Matthew and Collin Kohus, Dalton Mrazik, and Logan and Morgan Menser; brother, David Dowd, New York, N.Y.; sisters, Pauline Greeney, Deep River, Conn. and Geraldine Cathcart, Beverly, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 4, at 11 a.m., at Smith Memory Chapel, with Father Daniel Toof officiating. Burial will be in Barrow Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sandy Creek Nature Center, 205 Old Commerce Road, Athens, Georgia 30607.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.