Elizabeth Margaret Fletcher

Born May 9, 1953, in Marquette, to Harold and Barbra (White) Specker, Liz was the youngest daughter of seven siblings. As a child, she was remarkably bright, talented, and cute. Marquette, remained home for Liz, where her fondest childhood memories were with friends and family, enjoyed at camp and sunbathing by the shores of Lake Superior.

Liz attended John D. Pierce and was a notable honor roll student in the graduating Class of 1971, at Marquette Senior High School. Liz made numerous friends out of colleagues throughout her 20-year secretarial career with Northern Michigan University.

On July 10, 1981, Liz married her high school sweetheart, Michael Fletcher, at the First Baptist Church. Mike was smitten with her beauty, strong-willed character, unshakable sense of humor, loving nature, and the rest is history. The lifelong partners celebrated 40 years by each other’s side this July, always treasuring their time spent traveling and building a family together. Memorable travel destinations included Las Vegas, Florida, Colorado, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Canadian campgrounds, and circling Lake Superior.

First and foremost, Liz was a dedicated mother, treasuring her children and embracing every moment with them. In 1988, Liz retired from NMU when their first son, Michael, was born. Later following was their daughter, Adrienne, and son, Ryan. Liz loved her roles as a wife, mother, and homemaker; and was often accused by her husband of spoiling the kids.

Liz was an extremely caring mother. She provided her family with endless untiring, time, energy, and love, always being there for them. The family enjoyed spending time outdoors, on long walks around Marquette, visiting parks and waterfalls. She often read to her kids, fostering her passion for reading in them, and formed memorable shopping trips with the family. She highly valued education and supported her kids every step of the way, never missing an event or opportunity to praise academic achievements. Birthdays and holidays were always made extra special and unforgettable. Liz would go above and beyond to make sure celebrations were the best and spent together.

Her love and devotion to the family also extended to her siblings, always making herself available and checking on them should they need her. Liz loved spending time in the sun and kept her yard beautiful with gardens. She took great care of her health, remained fit, favoring long bike rides and walks, and loved to eat healthy foods. She was a devoted follower of the soap opera, The Young and the Restless, just like her mother. Often taking her phone off the hook until the program was over, and you better not disturb her until it WAS over.

Liz always maintained her great sense of humor, remained focused, loving, and caring. Her strength will always be honored and remembered by her family. Their time shared will forever be treasured.

Cherished by her husband, Michael Fletcher; loving and devoted mother of Michael Fletcher, Adrienne Fletcher, and Ryan Fletcher; dear sister of Gail and husband, (the late Jim) McClelland, Terry and wife, (Connie) Specker, Jack and wife, (Jonelle) Specker; brother-in-law, Edwin and wife, (Mary) Fletcher; sister-in-law, Katy Specker, Also survived by lifelong friends, Karen, Debbie, Georgiana, and Kay Jean; & many nieces and nephews.

Liz was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Kay Fletcher; siblings, Ronald Specker, Sandra (Pudgie) and husband, (Marvin) Whitcomb and Robert Specker.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, August 6, beginning at 3:00 pm, until the time of service, at 4:30 pm.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.