Ishpeming- Mary Catherine Skewis, age 96, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away on Saturday February 28, 2026 at UP Health System Bell while in the loving care of her family, and hospital staff.

Mary was born in Ishpeming on November 23, 1929, daughter of the late John and Catherine (Vogtlin) Scanlon. She was a graduate of Ishpeming High School, class of 1947. Following graduation began working for the State of Michigan in 1955 where she worked as the Regional Director for the Michigan Crippled Children’s Commission for nearly 40 years.

Mary loved playing cribbage and was an active member of the Ishpeming Cribbage League for many years, including serving as its past president. She also dedicated many years of service to the board of the Cliffs Shaft Mining Museum.

She cherished time spent with her children: Mike Skewis, Jim (Vickie) Skewis, Peggy (Gary) Petersen, Rosemary (Roland) Korpi, grandchildren: Shari Mahoski; Brian (Cherie) Johnson; Cindy (Raegen) Peterson; Brad (Kristin) Petersen; Amy (Ryan) Christensen; Christopher (Kiira) Petersen; Jamie (Kevin) Snyder; Daniel (Eliza) Petersen; Andy (Jodi) Skewis; Jessica Skewis; Christi (Chris) McElroy; Katie (Marty) Trudgeon; and Mark (Rebecca) Korpi. She was also blessed with 31 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren with one on the way, each of whom brought her tremendous joy.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, brother Jack (Yvonne) Scanlon, daughter Sharon Johnson, Daughters-in-law Nancy Skewis and Susan Skewis, grandson Michael Skewis, and great grandchild Ricky Burchfield.

Mary’s family will greet relatives and friends at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Monday March 9, 2026 from 1:00pm until 2:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00pm with Fr. Jernej Sustar celebrating. A meal will follow the Mass in the K/D Hall. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Mary’s family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Teal Lake Assisted Living for their professionalism, compassion, and love they have shown to Mary since 2019. A big thanks to UP Health System Bell in Ishpeming for their above and beyond care for her short stay.