Mary M. Stiritz
GWINN, MI – Mary M. Stiritz, age 65, of 17 W. Johnson Lake Rd., Gwinn passed away on Tuesday March 6, 2018 at her home while in the loving arms of her family. Mari began her war with breast cancer 16 years ago and fought it with sisu ’til her last breath. She will be forever missed by her husband Bernie Stiritz of Gwinn and their children Colleen Stiritz of Las Vegas, NV, Mindy (Matthew) Kennedy and their children Joseph and Simon, of Hummelstown, PA, Alex Stiritz and his son Jakson with Kayla Johnson Stiritz, of Redmond, OR, Victoria (Jake) Nowak of Holland, MI. Survivors also include her ever present dog, Blossom, her mother Carol Sedlock of Gwinn and her siblings, Michael Sedlock of Skandia Twp., Rev. David Sedlock of Gwinn and Anne (Matthew) Wood of Gwinn, along with nieces and nephews.
Mari was born December 5, 1952 in Marquette, the daughter of Carol (Karbum) and the late Raymond Sedlock. She grew up in Gwinn and was a member of the 1971 graduating class of Gwinn High School. She married Bernard E. Stiritz on March 13th, 1971 and they had four children together over the next 20 years. Mari was also intermittently employed at the Forsyth Twp. Library, running a beloved children’s story hour. Additionally, she lead several Christian Youth Groups and was involved in local Bible camps throughout her life.
Mari had a zest for life and was always up for an adventure. She was known for riding her horse in the moonlight with a bottle of Boones Farm, exploring any local body of water that was deep enough for scuba diving, creative “projects”, and for being an accomplished hunter. Notably, she is one of only two people to ever be awarded the “Grand Slam” from the Buckskin Bowman Archery Club. An award that was presented to her for “bagging” a bear, deer and coyote in the same year. She never turned down a chance for travel and loved most going to see her children. “She leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes”— Her sparkle will now live on in the legacy of wonder her daughters share with her treasured grandboys.
She was preceded in death by her father Raymond Sedlock, “Papa” and her favorite horse, Chief.
Per Mari’s request, her body was donated to the U of M Anatomical Donations Program. A celebration of Mari’s life will be held at her barn, Cherokee Country, on the Iron Pin Trail on Saturday, March 10th at 6:15 P.M.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family request donations be made to Mari’s favorite charity, U.P. Pink Power.
Mari’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com.