Mary Denise Eckels' Obituary
In Loving Memory - Mary D. Eckels - Big Rapids
Mary D. Eckels, 94, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Evergreen Terrace in Big Rapids.
She was born in 1930, on a farm west of Paris, MI, the daughter of Edward and Susan (Harter) Fortin. Mary attended grade school at McDuffy school and graduated from Fremont High School. She worked in Kalamazoo as a bank branch Manager and Trust dept. cashier for 25 years.
When Mary and her husband William retired in the late 80’s they moved to the Big Rapids area where she became active in volunteer work and various duties in St. Mary Parish. Mary was director of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and a member of the PCCW. She was a Red Cross volunteer working both at MCMC and Red Cross blood drives. Mary was a member of RSVP, and since 1989 spent the years at her favorite charity, St. Mary/St. Paul Ministry in Big Rapids.
Mary is survived by three grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband William, her sons Thomas and Peter, a grandson, and siblings Clara Staff, Edna Olson, Edward Fortin, and Lucille LaRock.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 22, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel cemetery. Mary’s family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m., Monday at the church. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to St. Mary/St. Paul Ministry, St. Mary Catholic Church, or St. Mary Catholic School. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home in Big Rapids.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?