Mary Teresa (Peabody) Soper

Mary was born on March 15, 1945 in Detroit, MI, the strong willed, eldest daughter of G. Robert and Constance J. (McCabe) Peabody. She grew up on her family’s apple orchard with her eight brothers and sisters. She attended Holy Name Elementary School in Birmingham and Marian High School in Bloomfield Hills, before graduating from Fenton High School. Mary attended Assumption University in Windsor, Ontario. Becoming widowed at 24 she moved to Marquette to attend Northern Michigan University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in social work, a trailblazing accomplishment for a woman and mother at that time.

Mary’s accomplishments were many – appointed as the U.P. Representative for Governor Milliken’s office (he nicknamed her the First Governor of the U.P.), Director of ‘Yes Michigan’, Tourism Director for Michigan State Historical Parks (based on Mackinac Island), Vice President of Northern Initiatives (coordinating the KI Sawyer Air Force Base closure), Vice President of Planned Parenthood Wisconsin and served on the founding board for the Women’s Center of Marquette. Mary also served at Michigan Public Policy Associates, where she engaged the Lieutenant Governor in the ‘Ready to Learn Leadership Summit’ working on behalf of children and families throughout Michigan. Mary finished her career as Executive Director of ‘Tobacco-Free Michigan’, going on to become a published author.

Mary loved beauty, filling her house with art, growing flowers, dressing in fabulous clothes, wearing vibrant colored lipsticks, and making any moment she could into a celebration. She was deeply spiritual and found truth in a myriad of sacred paths and teachings. Mary followed in the steps of her beloved Aunt Betty and traveled the globe, encouraging everyone she loved to do the same. Mary enjoyed skiing, especially with her children, Ann and Jim. She was an avid women’s activist. She had a vibrant group of friends from around the world who she deeply cherished. Most of all Mary loved spending time with her family and her grandchildren, who she was very proud of. Mary adored spending time with her great-grandchildren, Ripley and Wila, in the final years of her life.

She is survived by her two children, James Maurice (Karen) Soper of Taylor, MI and Ann Marie (Tony) Lakenen of Marquette; three grandchildren, Alexandra (Brian) Meyers, Erin (Ryan Heric) Lakenen and Samual Lakenen; two great-grandchildren, Ripley and Wila Meyers; siblings, Janet (Paul) Perrault, Constance (Dan) Cobley, Bill Peabody, Paul (Pam) Peabody, Rachel Peabody and Jim (Patty) Peabody; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Maurice Soper; siblings, Robert G. Peabody and Katherine Hendrick; and sister-in-law, Trish Peabody.

Family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral beginning at 1 p.m. A memorial service will be held in the funeral home at 2 p.m.

Mary’s memorial service will be live streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/mary-t-soper

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary’s name to the Women’s Center (wcmqt.org/donate) or Marquette County Medical Care Facility.

Memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com