Mary Winchester, 99, of Gladstone, began her eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who who will be dearly missed.
Mary Was born October 12, 1922 in Escanaba, the daughter of Arthur and Elodie (Varhelst) DeCook. She was united in marriage to Earl “Babe” Winchester on July 2, 1946 at All Saints Church in Gladstone Michigan. They celebrated 72 years together. After raising her family, Mary was the Flat Rock Elementary School secretary until she retired.
Following retirement, Mary and Babe spent the winter months in Texas with their motorhome. They truly enjoyed the time they spent with many friends and family. Mary was a member of the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Wells. Throughout the years, she enjoyed cooking, baking, knitting, and spending time with family and friends. Everyone who knew her will truly miss her.
Mary is survived by sons, Bob (Cherie) Winchester and Gary (Kathy) Winchester; her grandchildren Michelle (Scott) Freel, Renee (David) Dowdy and Rob (Jennifer) Winchester; great grandchildren Iain, Jacob, Lauren, Lindsey, Luke, Carson and Kate.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Earl, her parents, her brother, Frank DeCook, her sisters, Leona Lied and Lynie Bakran and grandson, Michael Winchester.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 19 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 PM at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wells with Fr. Rick Courier officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba Michigan.
Bud Sargent - Washburn, WI
My heartfelt sympathies to Bob, Gary and family. Mary always had a smile and kind words for us Sargent kids, and made us feel special. A great Lady…..she will not be forgotten.
Beth Cavadeas - Gladstone, MI
With deepest sympathy to Gary , Bob and families. Mary was one of the sweetest most loving moms in the neighborhood. Have so many memories of her over the years. I know she will be missed by all her knew her.
Millie and Earl McNally Sr - Rapid River, Mi
I miss you sweet Mary. You were such a beautiful person and you always spoke of your “babe” and your kids during the nights I cared for you. We laughed when I told you that I was married to an Earl also and that we were married at All Saints too. I pray now that you are in Heaven with “Babe” and that you are running free! Much love to you my dear sweet friend and my condolences to your family who is left behind. God bless & Mother Mary protect and bless yous all.
Ann Gerard Goodman - Tampa, FL
Bob, Gary and families, we were so sad to learn of your Mom’s passing. She was such a lovely and sweet lady. It was a pleasure getting to know her, and all of you, when she and our Mom, Hannah, were roomies at Bishop Noa. Your Mom always had a kind word and a smile for us whenever we were there. We hope you take comfort in all the happy memories you have of your Mom.
C. Bernard - DeTour Village, MI
My condolences to Mrs. Winchester’s family. I remember her as a very kind lady with a great smile.
Throughout my years at Flat Rock Elementary, She was always a bright spot in my day!
So happy to know that she had a great long life, as she truly deserved it!
May she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Cheryl (Kalishek)