Mary Niedzwiecki, 75, passed away peacefully February 14, 2019, with her devoted husband, Gene, by her side. Mary was the 4th of 6 children of Hamilton and Clara Pennell. Mary was born in Bay City, MI on September 26, 1943. She graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1961. Mary married the love of her life Eugene Niedzwiecki, on July 13, 1963, and they were happily married for 56 years.
After completing nursing school at the Bay City School of Practical Nursing, she practiced nursing for nearly 50 years. When Gene finished pharmacy school at Ferris State, they moved to Gaylord, MI, aka “God’s country”, to raise their family. Mary founded Hospice of The North in 1982, which was the first hospice in Gaylord, MI. Mary was awarded the Citizen of the Year by the Fraternal Order of Police on behalf of the city of Gaylord because of her hospice work.
Mary provided daycare to dozens of children in Gaylord. Mary’s nursing career concluded as the head nurse at the practice of her longtime friend, Dr. Roy Boyer, MD. Upon retiring from nursing, Mary operated the local GNC store, a business she and Gene owned for 19 years.
Mary loved Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral and Schools, and being a part of their faith community. In addition to teaching CCD for St. Mary’s, Mary served on multiple committees at the church. Mary was a member of the church choir for several years. Mary was an active member of the Daughters of Isabella, Our Lady of Grace Circle #911 for more than 40 years, serving several times as Regent. Mary was a Brownie/Girl Scout troop leader for several years, and she served on the City of Gaylord’s planning commission.
Mary is survived by her husband Eugene; children Michelle (Matthew) Rick, Jennifer Foote, Christopher (Kandi) Niedzwiecki; grandchildren Joseph Foote, Sarah Rick, Rachel (Joe) Cleminson, Joshua Rick, Hannah Rick, Gregory and Ella-Jae Niedzwieck; her sister Penny Neuchterlein, brother Timothy (Lois) Pennell, her sister in law, Mary Pennell; and many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her son, Eugene ll; her parents; and her sisters and their spouses, Beverly & Carl Doan, Sharon & Gary Bishop, her brother Terry Pennell, and her brother in law Ron Neuchterlein.
A funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, February 19, at St. Mary Cathedral at 11:00 am with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am.
A visitation will be held Monday, February 18, from 2:00 – 8:00 pm at the Nelson Funeral Home, with a rosary being offered by Our Lady of Grace Circle at 7:00 pm.
Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Munson Manor Hospitality House or St. Mary Cathedral Schools.
Arrangements entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734, www.nelsonsfuneralhome.com
26 comments on “Mary Niedzwiecki”
Gene and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I have many memories of working with her at the hospital and knowing her as a kindhearted nurse and person ❣️
Mary will be missed. I enjoyed her company and support.. She was a great lady with a ready grin! Gene and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Gene….our prayers and thoughts are with you. You and Mary were some of the first people we met when we moved to Gaylord in 1976. We have many great memories of Mary and are sorry for your loss. Art and Marcia
Gene, We are so sorry to read about your loss. We will always remember Mary and her company and humor while traveling on our many trips together.
Gene and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of this great loss. Mary was always a pleasant person to talk to.
Sincerely yours
Vince
Gene, So sorry to hear about Mary’s passing! I will treasure the sound of her laughter and the friendship over the years! Quite the corker. Long time since Alpine Village RX! May you find comfort among your many friends and family. Dianne Newman
Gene, Jennifer, Family, so sorry for your loss. God bless. Love and hugs
Gene and family, I was so very sad to hear this. Much love to all of you. Keep all the wonderful memories in your heart. I hope they will bring you peace.
Dear Gene and family,
Dave and I are so very saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. We have so many fond memories of those early days when she would watch our little ones. So very sorry for your loss; we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura
Gene and family, I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. Prayers to you and your family.
Gene and family,
So sorry to hear about Mary’s passing. She was a warm and generous person and I have many fond memories of years past. Praying for you all.
Janel
My condolences, Gene. I will miss seeing you two here and there, and our catching up conversations. Thinking of you all, with prayers.
Oh Niedzwiecki family, my heart breaks for you. Mrs. N was such a lovely woman. I have fond memories of her from my childhood, putting up with our shenanigans during various band and theater adventures in Gaylord. I pray that God send his angels to comfort you and hold you during your time of loss. God bless you all.
Gene and family, My sincerest condolences! Growing up down the street I didn’t get to know you as well as your children, but I know you were loved dearly and raised a beautiful family. You’ll be in my prayers as Mary has now return to her creator.
So sorry for your loss Chris. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Cherish the memories.
We shared so many memories during the years at Alpine Village Pharmacy. Mary had such a servant heart and will be missed by all she touched over the years. May God comfort your family during this time.
Our prayers are with your family Michelle and Jennifer. Your mom was always active at school and church. She will be missed. God bless you all and your Dad.
Gene, So sorry for the loss of your beloved wife. May Gid’s arms be wrapped around you all during this time.
Gene and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary was a very caring family friend and the many memories from over the years will always be cherished.
Gene, Michelle and Jennifer~ Geoff and I are sending our love and prayers. We couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor and friend.
Our deepest condolences.
Niedzwiecki Family – So sorry hear about Mrs. N. I have many fond memories of her. She was a very kind lady. She will be missed.
Gene, Jerry and I are truly sorry to learn of Mary’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Mary was such a joy whenever I saw her, she always had a smile for everyone.
So sorry to hear about Mary’s passing. Our prayers and condolences are with you, Gene and family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Gene.
Gene and family..
Words seem so easy to say at times, like..I’m sorry for your loss, Mary will be missed by so many. But truly, if you could know the feelings of all our hearts , for some of us who have experienced the loss of a spouse those words hit very close to home. We all love you and we all just want you to know that your Mary had touched a LOT of people’s lives in some way or another. And she always had a smile and a welcoming awareness about her. Mary was a true blessing to so many. I will miss your Mary so much!
Gods blessings to you all.