Mary Rubick
MARQUETTE, MI- Former longtime Newberry resident, Mary C. “Celeste” Rubick, 88, died Monday morning August 26, 2024 at her residence in Marquette, in the presence of her loving family, and the care of Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice. Celeste was born April 6, 1936 in Newberry, MI. The daughter of the late Evar and Ninabelle (Green) Villemure, she was born on her mother’s sister’s birthday, and was named Mary, after her aunt. Celeste was a 1954 graduate of Newberry High School. On June 22, 1957, Celeste was united in marriage to Lawrence Rubick at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church.
In her youth, Celeste worked her first job as a server at the Falls Hotel dining room. Later, as her children started school, she returned to work as an administrative assistant at the Tahquamenon Area Schools in 1972, watching as all of her children worked their way through the school system. She continued in her role there until her retirement in 1991.
In 1955 she had the distinct honor of being crowned “Miss Tahquamenon Falls”.
Celeste was very strong in her faith, a lifelong parishioner of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Newberry and then as a member St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Marquette. As a member of St. Gregory’s Altar Society, Celeste volunteered numerous hours to the parish, at fundraisers making fudge Easter Eggs and pasties, and was active member in the church choir. She also volunteered at Tahquamenon Area School pasties fundraisers.
Many of Celeste’s favorite pastimes included dancing – first with her father “Beaver” and then with her husband “The Duke”. When she and Duke danced, the floor would often clear, and they would be cheered on by the crowd. She also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, playing cards with family and friends and was a darn good amateur bowler in her league. She was famous throughout her family for her amazing chocolate chip cookies and patisa. Above all else, her greatest passion in life was her family. She filled most of her days following the events and activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which brought great joy to her.
In addition to her parents, Celeste is preceded in death by her husband Lawrence on February 23, 2022, and by her sister Evelyn Chamberlain.
Survivors include children Larry (Tama Rae) of Jenison, Patrice (Charles) Pemble of Marquette, Rob (Deborah) of Lapeer, Paula Rubick (Douglas Logue) of Colorado Springs, Annette Enderby of Menominee and Greg (Michelle) of Gladstone. She leaves 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Bob (Joanne) Villemure of Newberry, Joe (Becky) Villemure of Petoskey, Cathy (Tom) Harrington of Curtis and over fifty nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church on Wednesday September 4, 2024 from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon at the church with Fr. Greg Heikkala officiating. Rite of Committal will take place at Forest Home Cemetery.
The family of Celeste extends their deep appreciation to Dr. Ashley Parent MD, Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, and their deepest gratitude to Melissa Koepp for the loving care provided to our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Memorials may be directed to the Tahquamenon Education Foundation, PO Box 482, Newberry, Michigan 49868, and to St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, 212 West Harrie Street, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com .
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.