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CHAMPION, MI – Mary Catherine Joki (Plankey), 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility, where sheád been a resident since February.
Mary was born in Champion, MI on July 28, 1938, to Edward & Catherine (Snyder) Plankey. She grew up in Champion and graduated from Champion High School in 1956. After graduation she moved to Detroit and worked at Woolworthás where she met Marvin (Jerry). They moved back to Champion and were married on March 2, 1957.
For 17 years, Mary worked a few part-time jobs, was a proud homemaker, and was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Champion. In 1974 Mary began working for the N I C E Community Schools in Food Service at the Champion School. She moved to the Westwood High School when Champion closed and continued working until 1999. Retiring after 25 years.
Mary’s pride and joy were her family. Especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Over the years, she could be found at baseball and football fields, basketball and volleyball courts, and military functions supporting those grandchildren. She loved to bake and was known for her amazing raspberry bars and maple cookies. She was also known for collecting salt and pepper shakers. At last count there are about 2,800 sets. Some of her other joys were camping, traveling, and knitting.
Mary is survived by her husband of 69 years, Marvin; two sons, Marvin, Jr (Tina) Joki and Dean (Debbie) Joki; and daughter Tanya (Mike) Giroux; five grandchildren, Jeremy (Jodi) Joki, Luke (Crystal) Joki, and Derek (Sarah) Joki, Taylor and Tanner (Rachel) Giroux; two step grandchildren, Carrie Teser and Justin (Akayla) Anthony; seven great-grandchildren, Azalea, Asher, and Isaac Joki, Levi and Easton Joki, and Sophie and Mattie Giroux; a sister-in-law Doris (George) Plankey; and several nieces and nephews; two special nieces, Michele Irwin and Andrea Glisson; and a special nephew, Colton Glisson.
Mary was proceeded in death by her parents, Edward and Catherine; three brothers and sister-in-law, George, Jim, and John (Minnie) Plankey; a sister & brother-in-law, Carol (Jerry) Ekdahl; and nephews, Gene and Keith Plankey.
A funeral service will be held on Friday September 18, 2026, at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home with a visitation taking place from 11:00am until the time of service at 12:00pm.
A luncheon will be held immediately following the service with the location to be announced.
Interment will take place at the Champion Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Marquette County Medical Care Facility and the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice for the compassionate and comforting care they provided for Mary.
A full obituary may also be viewed at Bjorkandzhulkie.com where friend and relatives are invited to leave notes of remembrance.