Mary Anastasia Bruce

BARK RIVER — Mary Anastasia Bruce, 91, of Bark River, passed away Monday morning, Dec. 9, 2019, at UP Health System – Marquette. She was born on Dec. 17, 1927, in Escanaba, the daughter of Henry and Florence (Laviolette) Gingrass. Mary grew up in Escanaba where she attended Escanaba High School. On June 14, 1950, the former Mary Gingrass married the love of her life, Lawrence Ronald Bruce, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Escanaba and he preceded her in death on Nov. 30, 1976. Together, the couple shared 26 years of marriage. Mary was a hard-working homemaker, caring for her husband and children. After her husband’s death, she had the ambition to complete the home they were building and finished raising their five children as a single mother. Mary later was employed by many local restaurants as an excellent cook including the Log Cabin and the Dell’s Supper Club. She later worked as the school cook for the Bark River Harris School System. Mary loved being in the kitchen and cooking delicious meals – she was well-known for her beans, pasties, and meat pies. Mary also had a love for antiques. For many years, she owned and operated an antique shop in her home in Bark River and would have visitors from all over the country visiting her shop. Mary enjoyed the little things in life. She always looked forward to planting her beautiful flowers and vegetables in the spring of the year. She also kept the birds, chipmunks, and deer well-fed as she enjoyed watching them. Mary loved everything the outdoors had to offer – especially fishing and searching/picking morel mushrooms. She had a huge heart and an ambitious work ethic. Mary loved her family deeply and will be so missed.