Obituary: Mary Sue Moore
Mary Sue Moore (Curry) (July 23, 1935 – September 1, 2026)
Mary Sue Moore (née Curry), age 91, of Manchester, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on September 1, 2026.
Mary Sue was born on July 23, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, to Melbourne and Jesse Dorothy (née Baker) Curry. She grew up a very happy tomboy and attended Edison Elementary and Redford High. It was during her high school years that she met her future husband, Joe Moore, on a blind date. They became high school sweethearts, beginning a love story and a life story that would span more than seven decades.
Mary Sue graduated from the University of Michigan and worked as a Med Tech at U-M before beginning her next adventure—raising a family. Mary Sue and Joe were blessed with five children, and their growing family soon outgrew their home on Faye Drive in Ann Arbor. Fifty-nine years ago, the family of seven moved to Pleasant Lake, where they made their home and created a lifetime of memories.
This year, Mary Sue and Joe celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, a remarkable milestone reflecting the love, partnership, and devotion that defined their life together.
Music was at the heart of Mary Sue’s life. She taught piano to 208 students and accompanied countless productions for theater groups, other community and school events and Solo & Ensemble competitions. At Bethel United Church of Christ, she devoted over fifty years to music ministry. Mary Sue served as the church organist, director of the Children’s Choir, Youth Choir Plus, and Senior Choir, as well as the Bethel Orchestra. Over the years her musical offerings included everything from weddings and funerals, caroling and cantatas to services at the Saline Evangelical Home as well as solos, duets and original compositions. Mary Sue also took great pride in playing and preserving the one-of-a-kind pump organ at Bethel Church.
Her dedication to her church and community extended far beyond music. She served on the Board of Manchester Family Service for almost 30 years and was a community organizer for events including the annual CROP Walk. Along with her family she welcomed exchange students from Mexico, The Netherlands and France, in addition to U of M visiting students. At Bethel UCC, she presided as president of the Church Board and helped organize beloved annual traditions such as the Ice Cream Social and Sauerkraut Supper. She seemed to know where everything was in the church—and, more importantly, she knew how to bring people together.
Mary Sue was also a member and officer of the Ann Arbor Area Piano Teachers Guild, sharing her love of music and supporting fellow teachers. To further her musical education Mary Sue obtained her Certificate of Piano Teacher from Schoolcraft College.
Above all, Mary Sue was devoted to her family. She will be deeply missed by her beloved husband, Joseph Moore; her five children, Catherine Moore of Manchester, Keith (Roberta) Moore of Newport Beach, CA, Julie (Joe) Roberts of Tecumseh, Martha Moore of Erie, CO and David (Jennifer) Moore of Milan; her nine grandchildren, Jeff (Lindsay), Matt, Emily (Mark), David, Colleen, Alex, Michelle, Jack, and Andrew; and her three great-granddaughters, Mackenzie, Charlotte, and Colette.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her in-laws, Earl and Florence Moore; her sister, Jane Dietz; and her sister-in-law, Judy Williams.
Mary Sue leaves behind a legacy of music, faith, service, family, and friendship. Through the many students she taught, the choirs and musicians she guided, the church and community she served, and—most of all—the family she cherished, her life touched countless others. Her joyful spirit, generous heart, and love of music will live on in all who knew her.
Rather than traditional black please join us in celebrating Mary Sue’s life by wearing flowery, colorful, cheerful clothing. Visitation will be held at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor on Friday, September 4, 2026 from 3:00-7:00 p.m.
On Saturday, September 5th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. visitation will be at Bethel United Church of Christ, 10425 Bethel Church Road, Manchester. The Celebration of Mary Sue’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon following, served by the Women of Bethel. A private burial service for the family will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel UCC, 10425 Bethel Church Road, Manchester, MI 48158 or Manchester Family Service, P.O. Box 471, Manchester, MI 48158.
The family extends their thanks to Martha Wilson, Arbor Hospice and Our Family Friend for the care provided.
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