Mary Ellen Keshick (nee Nanigaw), 89, of Petoskey, Michigan, walked on April 19, 2018. Mary was born on High Island, Michigan on May 4, 1928. Her family was the last to leave the island as her dad tore down his house on High Island and rebuilt it at St. James, Beaver Island, MI. She retired from Allied Bendix Aerospace of Boyne City. She also worked for the Sarah Fisher Home in Farmington, MI, the Beverly Manor Home and the Montessori Children’s House both in Petoskey.
One of Mary’s favorite past times was playing Bingo. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and participating in traditional and cultural ceremonials. Mary was a citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and a former member of the Northern Michigan Ottawa Association (N.M.O.A.). Mary was also a fluent speaker of the Odawa language known as Anishinaabemowin; it was her first language. She was a well-respected elder in the community.
Mary is survived by one sister, Irene (Nanigaw) Bigeagle of Cheboygan, Michigan, six children: John (Michele) Keshick, Theresa Keshick from Harbor Springs, Michigan; Yvonne Keshick, Donald Keshick, Robert Keshick and Linda Gokee all of Petoskey, Michigan; 23 grandchildren: Rebecca (Patrick) Prater, Maritza (Joel) Lopez, Howard Keshick, Aaron Keshick, Brooke Chamblee, Ryan Chamblee, James Chamblee, Shannon Chamblee, Johnny Keshick, Justin Keshick, Megan Keshick, Trevor Keshick, Kaiah Keshick- Eedy, Samuel Tepakeyah, Ryan Keshick, Tosha Keshick, Amanda Lalonde, Shawn Keshick, Michael Keshick, Jordan Bussey, Ariya Cloud-Hall, Monique Napont, Jeffrey Gokee, Kacie Gokee and George Hall II, all from Michigan; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Hattie Nanigaw, one brother Henry Nanigaw, and sisters Agnes (Bernard) Napont and Lena (Moses) Anthony, sons Ronald and Gregory Keshick and daughters Marsha and Maria Keshick.
A sacred fire for Mary’s journey was lit on Friday at her home and will continue through Monday night. Friends and family will be received at the home during this time and are welcome to participate in this traditional custom.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at St. Francis Xavier church in Petoskey, Michigan. Visitation will take place at her home and at 10:00 AM prior to the funeral at the church. Burial will immediately follow at Greenwood Cemetery, in Petoskey, Michigan. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Nelson Funeral Home and cremation service.
7 comments on “Keshick, Mary”
You have my condolences of her passing. I met her when you first moved back to Michigan some years ago, I said hi to her and she just waved at me. She looked happy every the time I saw her. May she rest in peace. Your mom.
I love you Mom.
Leaving us to cherish her memory, she will be missed! Yet she leaves us with a strong legacy, by the way she lived her life. Mary showed kindness and love to all, I don’t think she ever met a stranger as she welcomed each person as if she always knew them I enjoyed elder lunches in her company. She found joy and laughter so easily. Mary I will think of you always with that beautiful smile!
Mary leaves us with a strong legacy, by the way she lived. I don’t think that she ever met a stranger. She treated all with respect and kindness and always as a friend! I will always think of you with that beautiful smile! You will be missed!
I will always think of Mary with her beautiful smile! My prayers are with you the family and with her on her journey!
Condolences to the family. I was so happy to have met your mother. I did not know many people who knew my mother, Christine Napont Miscovich. May they renew their friendship in heaven along with our other relatives.
My deepest sympathies and prayers are with all of you. I loved Mary very much, and we will all miss her. Her bright smile would light up the room, she was one of the kindest people I have ever met. Love you guys. Kim.