Dr. Mary Leola Cretens, age 82, of 117 Michigan Avenue, Gladstone, MI died Thursday May 5, 2005 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
Mary Leola Cretens was born at home in Gladstone at the site of First Bank, February 20, 1923. Her parents, both deceased, were Charles J. and Victoria Cretens. Mary attended All Saints and Gladstone High School, Northern Michigan University, University of Minnesota, and the University of Michigan. She graduated from Medical School in 1957 and the University of Michigan School of Public Health in 1964. She worked for the Delta-Menominee District Health Department from 1960 to 1985 as Health Officer-Medical Director. From 1985 to 1987 as Medical Consultant for Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Michigan in the Detroit area. From 1987 to 1992 she worked as a physician with the Department of Corrections in Marquette. After retirement from the Corrections Department, she worked part time for the U.P. Rural Health Association. Previous to her medical career she worked for Hupy Insurance and taught in Kipling and Gladstone.
Dr. Cretens has published several articles in the medical field and was a pioneer in starting several Health Department programs (as WIC-first in the Midwest and Family Planning-first in the Upper Peninsula).
She was a member of many organizations including: the Medical Society, Health Officers Association, in each where she served a term as president and several as secretary. Through the years, at various times, was active in Girl Scouting, 4H, Friends of the Library, Photography Club of Delta County, Score, Delta County Sages, Michigan Alumni Association, Service for the Aging Advisory, Newman Club, Community Foundation, Writers Guild and others.
Dr. Cretens spent numerous vacations traveling and also as working as a medical volunteer in Columbia, St. Lucia, Panama, San Blas Islands, Honduras, Standing Rock Indian Reservation. She also enjoyed writing, reading, artwork, crafts,, stamps and rock collecting.
Survivors include:
Cousins: Margaret Shampo of Gladstone; Marguerite (Frank) Barak of Gladstone
Special Friend: Lisa Wadeen
Special Caretakers: Carol Maki, Debbie Miles and Gary LaPlant
Dr. Mary’s family will receive friends on Monday from 2:30 P.M. to 5:45 P.M. at the All Saints Church in
Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial services celebrating the life of Dr. Mary Leola Cretens will follow at 6:00 P.M. at All Saints Church with Rev. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Memorial contributions may be directed to All Saints Catholic Church or to the Delta County Community Foundation. Envelopes will be available at All Saints Church or the Skradski Family Funeral Homes.
Anonymous
I was very sorry to heart about Mary’s passing. Her obit did not mention her interest in politics. I enjoyed talking with her when we both attended the same events over the years. I will miss seeing her. My best wishes to the family.
Craig Woerpel
Escanaba, MI
Mary was my student in Writers’ Workshop at Bay. In addition, she was my friend.
She was a fine, altruistic person. She has left her presence in Escanaba.
Darby Mitchell
Escanaba, MI
To the family of Dr. Mary Cretens: I would like to add my admiration for the activities and accomplishments of Dr. Cretens. Many years ago she was an active participant in my Reproduction and Family Planning course at the University of Wisconsin- Marinette campus. Whenever she came to class the students were treated to a very professional and caring presentation by the director of the Menominee/Delta Counties Health Department. When many physicians would not take the time to be involved in family planning education, she understood the need by the students. She was an outstanding health care physician and educator. You are all so fortunate to have had such a wonderful person in your family.
Dr. Wendel J. Johnson
Marinette, WI