Mary J. Carter

She was born on December 21, 1930 in Escanaba, the daughter of Maynard and Stella (Walker) Swaby. Mary was raised in Escanaba and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1948. She went on to attend Cloverland Community College.

On August 6, 1955, Mary married Robert L. Carter at St. Patrick’s Church in Escanaba. Together they shared 68 years of marriage. Robert preceded her in death on June 29, 2023.

Mary was employed as a bookkeeper at the Fair Store in Escanaba until 1965 when she and Robert started their family. She spent the rest of her years as a homemaker, taking care of the household and children.

She liked sewing, reading books and magazines, and cooking. Mary also enjoyed her weekly bridge club get-togethers with friends at Hereford and Hops.

Listed among survivors are her daughter, Carol (Michael) Maeder; grandchildren, Matthew (Jade) Maeder, Sarah Maeder, Mark (Dacota) Maeder, Emily Maeder, and Luke Maeder; great-grandchildren, Beckham, Pierce, Grayson, Ronan, and Elianna; and sisters-in-law, Violet Carter, Marlene Carter, and Lori Carter.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Maynard and Stella Swaby; husband, Robert Carter; son, Mark Carter; brother, George Swaby; sister, Catherine Millane; father-and-mother-in-law, Charles and Eunice Carter; and brothers-in-law, Gary Carter, Wayne Carter, and Gerald Carter.

A graveside service will take place at a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery.

A message of condolence can be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting with the arrangements.