Ishpeming, MI- Mary Ethel (Hayes) Nigro, age 80, entered eternal life on Wednesday evening in Marquette, Michigan, at UP Health Systems Marquette surrounded by family.

Mary was born on August 29, 1936 in Rapid River, Michigan to Lawrence and Gertrude (Laviolette) Hayes. She graduated from Rapid River High School, attended Northern Michigan University, and graduated with undergraduate and graduate degrees from Central Michigan University. Mary began a long career in education as a secretary at Amble Elementary in Harrison, Michigan, in 1966. Mary ended her career as a teacher in 2010 at Hartman High School in Ishpeming. In addition to being an educator, Mary enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, reading, shopping, and spending the summer at the family cabin with her husband, Kirk

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Gertrude. She is survived by her loving husband, Kirk; her daughter Mary Guckenberg (Joseph); her grandsons, Sean Allen and Kirk Guckenberg; her siblings, Julie Moe, William Hayes (Anita), Phyllis Steele (Jim), Maggie Kline (Bill), Peter Hayes (Ann), Michael Hayes (Heather), her numerous nieces and nephews; and her special sisters, Dell Jean Kadlitz and Merrylie Cameron.

A special thank you to the doctors and nurses is given to Bell Memorial Hospital in Ishpeming, Marquette General Hospital, UP Home Health Care, and Mather Nursing Home.

Mary's family will meet relatives and friends on Saturday, December 10th, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming, Michigan where a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm with Fr. Dan Moll officiating.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org or the Ishpeming Salvation Army in memory of Mary Nigro.

Mary's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com