Bergland, MI - Mary Louise Massie, almost 91, passed away early Saturday morning, February 13, 2021 under the attentive and loving care of the staff at the Trillium House and Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mary Lou was born in Norway, MI on March 25, 1930, the daughter of the late Ralph and Sophie (Remondini) Massa. She graduated from Bessemer High School in 1947, and St. Mary's School of Nursing in Rochester, MN in 1951. On September 1, 1951 she married John Massie. Mary Lou worked as a nurse in Milwaukee while her husband earned his degree in dentistry at Marquette University.

The couple returned to the U.P. living in Ramsey, Bessemer, and Ishpeming while they raised their family, with Mary Lou working as a nurse at Marquette General Hospital in the addiction rehabilitation unit until her retirement in 1992.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband John, her parents Ralph and Sophie Massa, her in-laws Herman and Marie (Tavernini) Massie, one brother Gerald Massa, several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, niece Nina Massa, nephews Tony and Greg Massa, granddaughters Michelle Decaire and Holly Racine, and former daughter-in-law Kari Massie.

Mary Lou is survived by brothers Jim Massa of Okemos, MI, Jack (Linda) Massa of LaCrosse, WI, and a sister Donna (Bob) Maccani of Menomonee Falls, WI. She is also survived by eight children: Michael (Debbie) Massie of Republic, Peggy (Jerry) Racine of Ishpeming, JoAnne (Randy) Decaire of Homer Glen, IL, Jim (Cheryl) Massie of Iron River, John (Lois) Massie of Ishpeming, Mark Massie of Grapevine, TX, Jeffrey Massie of Grand Rapids, MI and Jaye Massie of Ishpeming. She is also survived by 21 precious grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bergland, the Daughters of Isabella, the Historical Society of Bergland and Matchwood where she volunteered weekly. She enjoyed reading, walking, sports of all kinds, but especially the NY Yankees, knitting dishcloths and afghans as gifts, and baking. Mary Lou made excellent chocolate chip cookies which she gifted to each child and their spouses, each grandchild and their spouses, and all of her great grandchildren on every birthday, packaged up and shipped all around the country.

A celebration of Mary Lou's life will be held on July 3, 2021 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bergland, MI. The family would like to thank the caring staff of Trillium House and U.P. Home Health and Hospice for the excellent and loving care they provided to Mary Lou. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to Trillium Hospice House, 1144 Northland Drive, Marquette, MI 49855.

Mary Lou's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

On a final note, Mary Lou was a kind, gentle, and sweet soul who was loved by all who were privileged to know her, and she will be missed.