Mary G. (Obey) Maxson, January 23, 1945- September 23, 2023
Mary, a lifelong resident of Bay City, cherished wife, mother, sister, and friend passed away after a brief illness with her beloved husband of 55 years, Fred, at her side in Port Charlotte, Florida where they spent the winter months at their home in Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club. Along with her husband, Fred who she married in 1968, Mary was adored and is survived by their children, Wally (Tammy) and Dana (Patrick).
Mary was the daughter of the late Lewis and Berneice (Davis) Obey. The third of their four children, Mary was predeceased by her big brothers, Gary and Guy and his wife Barbara M., and sister-in-law Joan. Dear friends Shelby and Bev also predeceased Mary. She is survived by her only sister, Anne Marie Dallaire (Robert) and sister-in-law, Barbara K. Obey, eleven loving nieces and nephews along with their children, five cousins, and “adopted” daughter Jocelyn. Numerous friends in Michigan and Florida recall their wonderful times together, surrounded Mary with love in her final days, and mourn her loss.
Mary graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1963, attended Delta College, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work in 1970 from Central Michigan University. She had a brilliant career marked by giving and supporting children and vulnerable adults. Career positions included that of Adoption Caseworker, Catholic Family Services; Caseworker & Emergency Services Counselor, Bay-Arenac Community Mental Health; Community Education Instructor, Essexville Hampton Public Schools; Administrative Director, Creative for Caring; and Field Instructor for Saginaw Valley Works Program. Mary was frequently asked and was always willing to lend her knowledge and passion to volunteer positions which included the Community Services Roundtable, MSU Extension, Created for Caring Board of Directors, Mid-Michigan Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and the Kawkawlin River Watershed Association. She volunteered tirelessly with the Bay Valley Corvette Club with whom she played hard and rode miles, always ready to organize, give, and help. Their many friends in the Corvette Club surrounded Fred and Mary during her brief illness and all will miss her optimism and winning ways.
Mary loved traveling with Fred. They visited 49 of the 50 states, most of the Canadian provinces and many national and provincial parks. Mary was happiest in Up North Michigan, a love ignited by her years as a camper and counselor at Bay City YWCA Camp Maqua in Hale. She never tired of the beauty and ever-changing immensity of Lake Superior and made sure most of their trips Up North took them to those shores. Mary was always ready for a road trip whether it was for just a day or weeks at a time exploring and discovering the wonders of Michigan and North America.
Friends and loved ones are invited to gather and honor the remarkable life she led, sharing stories of her kind heart, infectious humor, and enduring love. Mary’s family will be present to receive visitors on Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 11:00 AM until her 12:00 PM Life Celebration at the Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 821 N. Pine Rd., between Ridge & Center. Inurnment will be held privately in Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. The family wishes that any memorial donations be directed to the Gift of Life Foundation, 3861 Research Park Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Obituary was lovingly submitted by the family.

October 29, 2023 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Bay County
821 N. Pine Rd.
Essexville, MI 48732
(989) 893-7334